Impact of Sedentary Behavior & Physical Activity on Mortality
Impact of Sedentary Behavior & Physical Activity on Mortality supports researchers studying objectively measured movement to improve mortality prediction or understanding of its effects on mortality.
Funder: Society of Actuaries
Due Dates: January 11, 2027 (Proposal submission)
Funding Amounts: Historical guidance: $25,000–$50,000 for contracted projects (33rd–66th percentiles, not an award limit)
Summary: Supports research using objectively measured sedentary behavior and physical activity to improve understanding of mortality prediction or effects on mortality.
Key Information: Studies must use sufficiently large datasets with objective movement measures and linked mortality outcomes, not self-reported exposures alone.
Description
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute seeks a clearly differentiated analysis of sedentary behavior and physical activity in relation to mortality. Led by its Mortality and Longevity Strategic Research Program Steering Committee, the initiative welcomes studies evaluating whether movement measures improve mortality prediction, examining what can credibly be inferred about their effects, or combining these approaches with clear justification.
All-cause mortality is the central outcome, with cause-specific analysis where follow-up and event counts support reliable findings. Projects should examine sedentary behavior alongside physical activity and relevant risk factors, rather than reproduce established associations. Priority goes to focused research that adds to existing evidence and communicates conclusions and limitations accessibly to actuaries. Insured experience data, a separate insured-population model, and recommendations to change actuarial mortality assumptions are not required.
