A new app called Death Clock is making waves in the health tech industry by predicting the date of its users' deaths and offering personalized tips on how to extend their lifespan. Developed by Brett Franson, the app utilizes an AI trained on over 1,200 life expectancy studies to provide a more accurate prediction than standard life tables.

While the concept of a "death clock" may seem morbid, the app's purpose is to encourage users to make positive lifestyle changes to increase their chances of living a longer, healthier life. The questionnaire, which includes basics like age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as more detailed questions about family history, mental health, and chronic conditions, provides a comprehensive assessment of a user's mortality risk factors.

In a test of the app, the predicted death date was February 28, 2074, at the age of 90, but with suggested habit changes, the app claimed the user could potentially live to 103. For an annual subscription fee of $40, Death Clock provides users with personalized tips on how to improve their habits and displays a countdown clock to their estimated death date, which can be shared online.

The app's mortality predictions have practical implications beyond just encouraging healthy habits. As financial planner Ryan Zabrowski noted, "A huge concern for elderly people, our retirees, is outliving their money." Accurate mortality estimates could help individuals plan their finances more effectively, ensuring they have sufficient resources to support themselves throughout their retirement.

While the idea of an app predicting one's death date may seem unsettling, Death Clock's innovative approach to encouraging healthy habits and promoting financial planning could have a significant impact on the health and wellness industry. As the app continues to evolve and improve, it will be interesting to see how users respond to this unique approach to mortality prediction and lifestyle improvement.

It's worth noting that this is not the first "death clock" app to emerge. Back in 2006, TechCrunch wrote about an iPod Death Clock app, but Franson's app claims to offer a significant improvement in accuracy thanks to its AI-powered approach. As the health tech industry continues to grow and evolve, it will be fascinating to see how apps like Death Clock shape our understanding of mortality and our approach to healthy living.