Title:
MY YOUTHSPAN: A MACHINE LEARNING-BASED SOFTWARE PROGRAM THAT LETS PEOPLE CUSTOMIZE LONGEVITY AND WELLNESS PLANS TO THEIR PERSONAL LIFESTYLES AND GOALS

Authors:
John Leddo

ABSTRACT:
There are exciting advancements being made in the scientific areas of wellness and longevity such that now there are numerous interventions and lifestyle changes that people can make that will extend their lifespans and healthspans (number of healthy years they have). The challenge that people face is that a plethora of resources are available to guide them, and these typically recommend optimal or “best practice” solutions that are the same for all people within the same demographic and lifestyle category. This becomes problematic because not only are different people different and may respond differently to changes in their lifestyles, people also differ in the degree to which they are willing to make changes in their lifestyles. The present paper discusses the need to present people with the ability to implement satisficing as well as optimal strategies in improving their health and expected lifespans and the tools necessary to see the potential changes in outcomes/benefits that result from these satisficing options. A software program, My Youthspan, that provides users with optimal recommendations on improving lifespan and healthspan, but also allows them to conduct sensitivity analysis to determine the benefits associated with customized plans they create is discussed.