Where the Vitality Is

Science and business really do work together when leadership listens and follows the trails set by innovators. GWG Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:GWGH), a financial services company engaged in the life insurance secondary market, has secured the exclusive license for the “DNA Methylation-Based Predictor of Mortality” technology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).  The technology was discovered by Dr. Steve Horvath and is featured in the September 2016 edition of “Aging.” In 2013, Dr. Horvath reported that human cells have a mechanism that records biological aging progression based on DNA methylation that is independent from chronological aging progression. In 2016, Dr. Horvath discovered a specific set of DNA methylation-based bio-markers that are highly predictive of all-cause mortality. The discovery was made through a statistical analysis of bio-markers found in DNA samples from over 13,000 individuals whose health was studied for decades. The implications of Dr. Horvath’s discovery are simple and profound: Individual lifespans can now be estimated with significantly greater precision across large groups of individuals. The leadership part of the equation is Jon Sabes and the bright team he quarterbacks: “We believe Dr. Horvath’s technology will revolutionize the prediction of human longevity,” commented Jon Sabes, Chief Executive Officer. “We expect to immediately implement this technology into our current business to enhance our actuarial underwriting precision. In addition, we intend to explore a more comprehensive application of this technology to the life insurance business. While we have some work to complete to firm up our expectations, we believe we may hold some of the most innovative financial technology the life insurance industry has seen in over a century.” More information regarding the DNA Methylation-Based Predictor of Mortality technology and a discussion on the implications for GWG’s current business, as well as its potential application to the wider insurance industry, can be found on the website at www.gwgh.com. … Speaking of vitality…John Hancock has announced that its Vitality program, an approach to life insurance that rewards people for healthy living, is now available on a number of its life insurance products in New York state, including universal life, indexed universal life, and variable life. New York policyholders have the potential to save thousands of dollars a year through the John Hancock Vitality program, simply through the everyday things they do to stay active and live healthier lives. They can save up to 15 percent on their life insurance premiums as well as earn valuable rewards and discounts, such as $600 per year in savings on healthy food purchases at participating grocery stores, and gift certificates for retailers such as Under Armor, Adidas, Goplay Golf and Spa Week. The program also offers policyholders personalized health goals, expert nutritional information, wellness tips and additional resources for healthy living, including a free Fitbit® device. “We are very excited to be able to offer our John Hancock Vitality life insurance solutions to customers in New York, whether they want insurance to protect their families, to save money to help with retirement or college, or for estate planning,” said Michael Doughty, president, John Hancock Insurance. “With the Vitality program, we’ve reimagined life insurance so it’s relevant, rewarding and engaging for our policyholders as we support their pursuit of a longer, healthier life.  We also appreciate all the efforts by the New York Department of Financial Services in making this offering a reality.”  When they purchase a John Hancock Vitality life insurance policy, policyholders immediately begin accumulating “Vitality Points” through their everyday healthy activities, such as walking or exercising, buying healthy food and getting regular check-ups. The number of Vitality Points policyholders earn over the course of a year determines their program status level. The healthier their lifestyle, the more points they can accumulate and the more significant the savings will be on their premiums, and the greater the rewards.