Edmund Cannon and Ian Tonks
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199216994
- eISBN:
- 9780191711978
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199216994.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
Governments around the world are responding to the rising ratio of elderly-to-young persons (‘The Pensions Crisis’) by shifting their pension policies away from pay-as-you-go systems towards ...
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Governments around the world are responding to the rising ratio of elderly-to-young persons (‘The Pensions Crisis’) by shifting their pension policies away from pay-as-you-go systems towards individual savings schemes. Annuity markets convert retirement savings into an income stream for the lifetime of the pensioner, and understanding how annuity markets function is important for public policy. This book studies these annuity markets. The book starts by outlining the context of public policy towards pensions, and explains the different types of annuities available, focusing on the UK — which has the largest annuity market in the world. It examines how annuities are priced, and describes the techniques of mortality measurement. As a background, it provides a history of annuities, and the experience of annuity markets in a number of other countries. The book outlines the economic theory behind annuities, and explains how annuities insure consumers against longevity risks. It goes on to describe how annuities markets function: how they work and whether they are efficient, leading onto a discussion of the annuity puzzle, including behavioural explanations. The book concludes by discussing the regulatory framework, assets available to back annuity liabilities, and recent developments in annuity markets.Less
Governments around the world are responding to the rising ratio of elderly-to-young persons (‘The Pensions Crisis’) by shifting their pension policies away from pay-as-you-go systems towards individual savings schemes. Annuity markets convert retirement savings into an income stream for the lifetime of the pensioner, and understanding how annuity markets function is important for public policy. This book studies these annuity markets. The book starts by outlining the context of public policy towards pensions, and explains the different types of annuities available, focusing on the UK — which has the largest annuity market in the world. It examines how annuities are priced, and describes the techniques of mortality measurement. As a background, it provides a history of annuities, and the experience of annuity markets in a number of other countries. The book outlines the economic theory behind annuities, and explains how annuities insure consumers against longevity risks. It goes on to describe how annuities markets function: how they work and whether they are efficient, leading onto a discussion of the annuity puzzle, including behavioural explanations. The book concludes by discussing the regulatory framework, assets available to back annuity liabilities, and recent developments in annuity markets.
Phyllis C. Borzi and Martha Priddy Patterson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199549108
- eISBN:
- 9780191720734
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549108.003.0008
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
Soon the largest cohort of workers in history will be eligible to retire: and most will have only their personal saving and a lump-sum benefit from a 401(k) plan to supplement Social Security ...
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Soon the largest cohort of workers in history will be eligible to retire: and most will have only their personal saving and a lump-sum benefit from a 401(k) plan to supplement Social Security benefits during retirement. The proceeds of these 401(k) and IRA benefits represent the largest amount of money these individuals have ever managed, and the challenges and hazards they face are enormous. This chapter evaluates the regulatory and enforcement structures in place to protect individuals from financial loss through the insolvency, fiscal mismanagement, and/or malfeasance of those who help them manage and invest their retirement distributions.Less
Soon the largest cohort of workers in history will be eligible to retire: and most will have only their personal saving and a lump-sum benefit from a 401(k) plan to supplement Social Security benefits during retirement. The proceeds of these 401(k) and IRA benefits represent the largest amount of money these individuals have ever managed, and the challenges and hazards they face are enormous. This chapter evaluates the regulatory and enforcement structures in place to protect individuals from financial loss through the insolvency, fiscal mismanagement, and/or malfeasance of those who help them manage and invest their retirement distributions.
William F. Sharpe, Jason S. Scott, and John G. Watson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199549108
- eISBN:
- 9780191720734
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549108.003.0009
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
Today's retirees face the daunting task of determining appropriate investment and spending strategies for their accumulated savings. Financial economists have addressed their problem using an ...
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Today's retirees face the daunting task of determining appropriate investment and spending strategies for their accumulated savings. Financial economists have addressed their problem using an expected utility framework. In contrast, many financial advisors rely instead on rules of thumb. This chapter shows that some of the popular rules are inconsistent with expected utility maximization, since they subject retirees to avoidable, non-market risk. It also highlights the importance of earmarking ‘the existence of a one-to-one correspondence between investments and future spending’ and shows that a natural way to implement earmarking is to create a lockbox strategy.Less
Today's retirees face the daunting task of determining appropriate investment and spending strategies for their accumulated savings. Financial economists have addressed their problem using an expected utility framework. In contrast, many financial advisors rely instead on rules of thumb. This chapter shows that some of the popular rules are inconsistent with expected utility maximization, since they subject retirees to avoidable, non-market risk. It also highlights the importance of earmarking ‘the existence of a one-to-one correspondence between investments and future spending’ and shows that a natural way to implement earmarking is to create a lockbox strategy.
Cassio M. Turra and Olivia S. Mitchell
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199549108
- eISBN:
- 9780191720734
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549108.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
This chapter describes how differences in health status at retirement can influence the decision to purchase a life annuity. It extends previous research on annuitization decisions by incorporating ...
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This chapter describes how differences in health status at retirement can influence the decision to purchase a life annuity. It extends previous research on annuitization decisions by incorporating the effect of health differentials via differences in survival throughout the latter portion of life. It then shows how precautionary savings motivated by uncertain out-of-pocket medical expenses influence annuitization decisions. Results show that annuities become less attractive to people facing uncertain medical expenses. While full annuitization would still be optimal if annuity markets were truly complete and both life- and health-contingent, lacking this, annuity equivalent wealth values are much lower for those in poor health, as compared to persons in good health.Less
This chapter describes how differences in health status at retirement can influence the decision to purchase a life annuity. It extends previous research on annuitization decisions by incorporating the effect of health differentials via differences in survival throughout the latter portion of life. It then shows how precautionary savings motivated by uncertain out-of-pocket medical expenses influence annuitization decisions. Results show that annuities become less attractive to people facing uncertain medical expenses. While full annuitization would still be optimal if annuity markets were truly complete and both life- and health-contingent, lacking this, annuity equivalent wealth values are much lower for those in poor health, as compared to persons in good health.
John Ameriks, Andrew Caplin, Steven Laufer, and Stijn Van Nieuwerburgh
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199549108
- eISBN:
- 9780191720734
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549108.003.0011
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
Financial security in retirement has traditionally meant having a steady flow of annuity income as long as one lives — a definition enshrined in the Social Security system. Earlier research has ...
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Financial security in retirement has traditionally meant having a steady flow of annuity income as long as one lives — a definition enshrined in the Social Security system. Earlier research has stressed a more holistic approach, which focuses on the match between resources and spending needs. Using this formulation this chapter estimates annuity values given long-term care concerns and bequest motives, where these estimated values are consistent with low observed demand for standard annuities. The chapter extends this model to value non-standard annuities with various security-enhancing features that may be of value to retirees.Less
Financial security in retirement has traditionally meant having a steady flow of annuity income as long as one lives — a definition enshrined in the Social Security system. Earlier research has stressed a more holistic approach, which focuses on the match between resources and spending needs. Using this formulation this chapter estimates annuity values given long-term care concerns and bequest motives, where these estimated values are consistent with low observed demand for standard annuities. The chapter extends this model to value non-standard annuities with various security-enhancing features that may be of value to retirees.
Moshe A. Milevsky and Vladyslav Kyrychenko
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199549108
- eISBN:
- 9780191720734
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199549108.003.0012
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
The latest generation of variable annuity contracts contains equity options plus longevity insurance, sometimes thought to be attractive to purchasers willing to take on financial risk. This chapter ...
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The latest generation of variable annuity contracts contains equity options plus longevity insurance, sometimes thought to be attractive to purchasers willing to take on financial risk. This chapter examines whether this is indeed the case. Using a unique database, it documents that policyholders do in fact adopt higher equity exposures when these riders are selected. It also examines the theoretical merits of the marketing advice, by deriving the optimal asset allocation in the presence of these guarantees. The chapter concludes that more aggressive equity allocations can indeed be justified in many, although not all, product structures.Less
The latest generation of variable annuity contracts contains equity options plus longevity insurance, sometimes thought to be attractive to purchasers willing to take on financial risk. This chapter examines whether this is indeed the case. Using a unique database, it documents that policyholders do in fact adopt higher equity exposures when these riders are selected. It also examines the theoretical merits of the marketing advice, by deriving the optimal asset allocation in the presence of these guarantees. The chapter concludes that more aggressive equity allocations can indeed be justified in many, although not all, product structures.
Igor Balevich
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199592609
- eISBN:
- 9780191594618
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592609.003.0010
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
Steadily improving mortality rates are boosting pension liabilities, and plan managers are starting to evaluate ways to handle this exposure. The authors explore the impact of increasing longevity on ...
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Steadily improving mortality rates are boosting pension liabilities, and plan managers are starting to evaluate ways to handle this exposure. The authors explore the impact of increasing longevity on pension plans, and what can be done about it. Responses include plan design changes, transferring this risk to an insurance company, and development of strategies to hedge this risk without completely eliminating it.Less
Steadily improving mortality rates are boosting pension liabilities, and plan managers are starting to evaluate ways to handle this exposure. The authors explore the impact of increasing longevity on pension plans, and what can be done about it. Responses include plan design changes, transferring this risk to an insurance company, and development of strategies to hedge this risk without completely eliminating it.
John Ameriks, Michael Hess, and Liqian Ren
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199592609
- eISBN:
- 9780191594618
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199592609.003.0011
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Pensions and Pension Management
This chapter describes and evaluates alternative approaches to spending in retirement, including income annuities, common rules of thumb for spending used by financial planners and advisors, and the ...
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This chapter describes and evaluates alternative approaches to spending in retirement, including income annuities, common rules of thumb for spending used by financial planners and advisors, and the spending rules that have been incorporated into payout funds, a relatively new type of investment product designed to be used by investors in the spending stage of life.Less
This chapter describes and evaluates alternative approaches to spending in retirement, including income annuities, common rules of thumb for spending used by financial planners and advisors, and the spending rules that have been incorporated into payout funds, a relatively new type of investment product designed to be used by investors in the spending stage of life.
Brigitte Dormont, Joaquim Oliveira Martins, Florian Pelgrin, and Marc Suhrcke
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199587131
- eISBN:
- 9780191595370
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199587131.003.0003
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics, Public and Welfare
This chapter deals with demographic facts. Ageing trends are the result of two different and contrasted phenomena: the change from a high to a low fertility regime and the increase in longevity. The ...
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This chapter deals with demographic facts. Ageing trends are the result of two different and contrasted phenomena: the change from a high to a low fertility regime and the increase in longevity. The baby boom and subsequent fertility bust was a massive but transitory shock. In contrast, the smooth and steady increase in longevity does look like a permanent shock. The critical condition for these potential longevity gains to materialise in longer working lives is a dynamic equilibrium between the increase in life expectancy and the number of years in good health (the so-called ‘healthy ageing’ regime).Less
This chapter deals with demographic facts. Ageing trends are the result of two different and contrasted phenomena: the change from a high to a low fertility regime and the increase in longevity. The baby boom and subsequent fertility bust was a massive but transitory shock. In contrast, the smooth and steady increase in longevity does look like a permanent shock. The critical condition for these potential longevity gains to materialise in longer working lives is a dynamic equilibrium between the increase in life expectancy and the number of years in good health (the so-called ‘healthy ageing’ regime).
David T. Lamb
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199231478
- eISBN:
- 9780191710841
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199231478.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
This chapter investigates the incongruity of Dtr's evil evaluations of Jehu' s heirs with their favourable portrayals in the source material. Instead of examining each of Jehu's heirs separately, the ...
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This chapter investigates the incongruity of Dtr's evil evaluations of Jehu' s heirs with their favourable portrayals in the source material. Instead of examining each of Jehu's heirs separately, the chapter discusses them topically, beginning with Dtr's evil evaluations of them, then their royal longevity and their military success. The chapter then summarizes how Dtr's bias against Jehu' s heirs explains why rulers with positive descriptions are condemned as evil.Less
This chapter investigates the incongruity of Dtr's evil evaluations of Jehu' s heirs with their favourable portrayals in the source material. Instead of examining each of Jehu's heirs separately, the chapter discusses them topically, beginning with Dtr's evil evaluations of them, then their royal longevity and their military success. The chapter then summarizes how Dtr's bias against Jehu' s heirs explains why rulers with positive descriptions are condemned as evil.
Linda Waite
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0018
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter presents an overview of the two chapters (Chapter 14-15) in Part IV of the book. Both chapters point to the merging of questions, theories, and approaches from natural and social ...
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This chapter presents an overview of the two chapters (Chapter 14-15) in Part IV of the book. Both chapters point to the merging of questions, theories, and approaches from natural and social sciences as an essential step in the process of scientific advancement. Both point to a fundamental melding across disciplines, rather than a simple joint venture. And both describe major advances in the understanding about the nature of health and longevity.Less
This chapter presents an overview of the two chapters (Chapter 14-15) in Part IV of the book. Both chapters point to the merging of questions, theories, and approaches from natural and social sciences as an essential step in the process of scientific advancement. Both point to a fundamental melding across disciplines, rather than a simple joint venture. And both describe major advances in the understanding about the nature of health and longevity.
Michael Marmot
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0019
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter explores the history of an interdisciplinary research program on the social, economic, cultural, and psychological determinants of health and the biological pathways by which they ...
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This chapter explores the history of an interdisciplinary research program on the social, economic, cultural, and psychological determinants of health and the biological pathways by which they operate. The study dealt with the inevitable resistance to interdisciplinary research by, initially, breaking it up into small nonthreatening chunks and only later attempting to prove that the whole was greater than the sum of parts. A particular problem was that the research was addressing social inequalities in health. When the political climate was unfavorable, such research was seen to be, at best, irrelevant and, at worst, threatening. When the political climate in Britain changed, yesterday's pure academic research became today's applied science.Less
This chapter explores the history of an interdisciplinary research program on the social, economic, cultural, and psychological determinants of health and the biological pathways by which they operate. The study dealt with the inevitable resistance to interdisciplinary research by, initially, breaking it up into small nonthreatening chunks and only later attempting to prove that the whole was greater than the sum of parts. A particular problem was that the research was addressing social inequalities in health. When the political climate was unfavorable, such research was seen to be, at best, irrelevant and, at worst, threatening. When the political climate in Britain changed, yesterday's pure academic research became today's applied science.
Stephen G. Post (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
Does a kindly, charitable interest in others have health benefits for the agent, particularly when coupled with helping behaviours? Although the answer remains unclear, researchers have established ...
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Does a kindly, charitable interest in others have health benefits for the agent, particularly when coupled with helping behaviours? Although the answer remains unclear, researchers have established that there is an association between generous emotions, helping behaviour, and longevity. Increasingly, emotional states and their related behaviours are being studied by mainstream scientists in relation to health promotion and disease prevention. If helping affect or behaviour can be linked with health and longevity, there are significant implications for how we think about human nature and prosperity. Although studies show that those who are physically or psychologically overwhelmed by the needs of others do experience a stressful burden that can have significant negative health consequences, little attention has been given to whether there are health benefits from helping behaviour that is fulfilling, not overwhelming. This book's chapters address this question in objective terms. The book provides heuristic models, from evolution and neuroscience, to explain the association between altruism and health, and examines potential public health and practical implications of the existing data.Less
Does a kindly, charitable interest in others have health benefits for the agent, particularly when coupled with helping behaviours? Although the answer remains unclear, researchers have established that there is an association between generous emotions, helping behaviour, and longevity. Increasingly, emotional states and their related behaviours are being studied by mainstream scientists in relation to health promotion and disease prevention. If helping affect or behaviour can be linked with health and longevity, there are significant implications for how we think about human nature and prosperity. Although studies show that those who are physically or psychologically overwhelmed by the needs of others do experience a stressful burden that can have significant negative health consequences, little attention has been given to whether there are health benefits from helping behaviour that is fulfilling, not overwhelming. This book's chapters address this question in objective terms. The book provides heuristic models, from evolution and neuroscience, to explain the association between altruism and health, and examines potential public health and practical implications of the existing data.
Pat Willmer
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691128610
- eISBN:
- 9781400838943
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691128610.003.0021
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology
This chapter examines the factors that affect the timing and patterning of flowering, as well as the effects of different flowering patterns on pollination outcomes. Plants should flower in ways that ...
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This chapter examines the factors that affect the timing and patterning of flowering, as well as the effects of different flowering patterns on pollination outcomes. Plants should flower in ways that maximize their own reproductive success. The “flowering pattern” is a composite of the timing and frequency of individual flowers opening, and also of floral longevity. These phenological factors vary between and within species. Flowering phenology can influence the plant’s manipulation of its visitors in ways that should increase either or both of pollen transfer and pollen receipt. The chapter first considers the frequency of flowering and the shape of the flowering period before discussing flower longevity and flowering period. It also explores the question of how big a flower should be, how many flowers a plant should have at any one time, what determines the phenological parameters for a particular plant species, and where the flowers should be placed.Less
This chapter examines the factors that affect the timing and patterning of flowering, as well as the effects of different flowering patterns on pollination outcomes. Plants should flower in ways that maximize their own reproductive success. The “flowering pattern” is a composite of the timing and frequency of individual flowers opening, and also of floral longevity. These phenological factors vary between and within species. Flowering phenology can influence the plant’s manipulation of its visitors in ways that should increase either or both of pollen transfer and pollen receipt. The chapter first considers the frequency of flowering and the shape of the flowering period before discussing flower longevity and flowering period. It also explores the question of how big a flower should be, how many flowers a plant should have at any one time, what determines the phenological parameters for a particular plant species, and where the flowers should be placed.
Doug Oman
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This chapter offers a scientific perspective and reviews available evidence on how volunteering affects health and longevity. It focuses on formal volunteer work — performed through a school, ...
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This chapter offers a scientific perspective and reviews available evidence on how volunteering affects health and longevity. It focuses on formal volunteer work — performed through a school, hospital, library, or environmental, political, or other organization. Formal volunteer work stands in contrast to more casual or unorganized helping activities, often termed ‘informal helping’, such as giving directions to a stranger or serving as a caregiver for a family member or a neighbour. The chapter's primary focus is on physical health outcomes, although it also cites evidence linking volunteering with improved mental health and subjective well-being. First, it describes the mechanisms by which volunteering might affect physical health, as well as moderating factors that might strengthen or weaken these influences. Next, it reviews empirical evidence suggesting that volunteering may indeed provide physical and mental health benefits. It concludes by discussing some practical implications and needs for further research.Less
This chapter offers a scientific perspective and reviews available evidence on how volunteering affects health and longevity. It focuses on formal volunteer work — performed through a school, hospital, library, or environmental, political, or other organization. Formal volunteer work stands in contrast to more casual or unorganized helping activities, often termed ‘informal helping’, such as giving directions to a stranger or serving as a caregiver for a family member or a neighbour. The chapter's primary focus is on physical health outcomes, although it also cites evidence linking volunteering with improved mental health and subjective well-being. First, it describes the mechanisms by which volunteering might affect physical health, as well as moderating factors that might strengthen or weaken these influences. Next, it reviews empirical evidence suggesting that volunteering may indeed provide physical and mental health benefits. It concludes by discussing some practical implications and needs for further research.
J. Eduardo P. W. Bicudo, William A. Buttemer, Mark A. Chappell, James T. Pearson, and Claus Bech
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199228447
- eISBN:
- 9780191711305
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228447.003.0003
- Subject:
- Biology, Ornithology
As sexually reproducing animals, birds must balance the competing nutritional needs of growth and self-maintenance with those of reproduction. This creates a fecundity-longevity tradeoff. Extrinsic ...
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As sexually reproducing animals, birds must balance the competing nutritional needs of growth and self-maintenance with those of reproduction. This creates a fecundity-longevity tradeoff. Extrinsic mortality rates will shape the type of life history that best manages these conflicts and promotes the highest reproductive potential. Because physiological processes are intrinsic to animal health and reproduction, they are a logical focus for gaining a mechanistic understanding of the factors influencing fecundity/longevity tradeoffs. Physiological research and life-history theory have advanced significantly and it is worthwhile to examine further insights that physiological approaches bring to understanding life history variation. This chapter examines the costs associated with three major breeding activities (egg production, male mating costs, and parental costs) and the bases of longevity differences from physiological perspectives. It relies mainly on research involving species with bi-parental care, as these represent the majority of birds and have been more extensively studied.Less
As sexually reproducing animals, birds must balance the competing nutritional needs of growth and self-maintenance with those of reproduction. This creates a fecundity-longevity tradeoff. Extrinsic mortality rates will shape the type of life history that best manages these conflicts and promotes the highest reproductive potential. Because physiological processes are intrinsic to animal health and reproduction, they are a logical focus for gaining a mechanistic understanding of the factors influencing fecundity/longevity tradeoffs. Physiological research and life-history theory have advanced significantly and it is worthwhile to examine further insights that physiological approaches bring to understanding life history variation. This chapter examines the costs associated with three major breeding activities (egg production, male mating costs, and parental costs) and the bases of longevity differences from physiological perspectives. It relies mainly on research involving species with bi-parental care, as these represent the majority of birds and have been more extensively studied.
Patricia Hollis
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780197263853
- eISBN:
- 9780191734281
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197263853.003.0007
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
Pensions have been constructed by men in full-time work for other men in full-time work; but most pensioners are women. The basic state pension (BSP) still assumes that women will derive their state ...
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Pensions have been constructed by men in full-time work for other men in full-time work; but most pensioners are women. The basic state pension (BSP) still assumes that women will derive their state pensions as dependants of their husbands. And modern occupational pensions (OP) still assume that women will derive private pensions from full-time work and full-time saving continued without interruption over forty years. Neither the model of the BSP nor of the OP fits the world women inhabit. Women are so at risk of poverty in retirement due to three main factors: fluid family forms, flexible labour markets, and increased longevity. Barely 20 per cent of women enter retirement with a full national insurance pension in their own right.Less
Pensions have been constructed by men in full-time work for other men in full-time work; but most pensioners are women. The basic state pension (BSP) still assumes that women will derive their state pensions as dependants of their husbands. And modern occupational pensions (OP) still assume that women will derive private pensions from full-time work and full-time saving continued without interruption over forty years. Neither the model of the BSP nor of the OP fits the world women inhabit. Women are so at risk of poverty in retirement due to three main factors: fluid family forms, flexible labour markets, and increased longevity. Barely 20 per cent of women enter retirement with a full national insurance pension in their own right.
Mark Maslin
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198567066
- eISBN:
- 9780191717888
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567066.003.0014
- Subject:
- Biology, Plant Sciences and Forestry
This chapter highlights and explains the impressive story of the persistence of the Amazonian rainforest throughout the Cenozoic. Palaeoclimate and palaeoecological records suggest that the Amazon ...
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This chapter highlights and explains the impressive story of the persistence of the Amazonian rainforest throughout the Cenozoic. Palaeoclimate and palaeoecological records suggest that the Amazon rainforest originated in the late Cretaceous and has been a permanent feature of South America for at least the last 55 million years. During the late Palaocene the ‘rainforest’ or ‘megathermal moist forest’ (MTMF) may have stretched as far south as 45°S in South America. The main climatic feature of the last 55 million years has been global cooling and the general constriction of the megathermal moist forests to the tropics. However, the Amazon rainforest has survived the high temperatures of the early Eocene climate optimum and the aridity and low carbon dioxide levels of the Quaternary glacial periods. The Amazon rainforest should, therefore, not be viewed as a geologically ephemeral feature of South America, but rather as a constant feature of the global Cenozoic biosphere. The forest is now, however, entering a set of climatic conditions with no past analogue.Less
This chapter highlights and explains the impressive story of the persistence of the Amazonian rainforest throughout the Cenozoic. Palaeoclimate and palaeoecological records suggest that the Amazon rainforest originated in the late Cretaceous and has been a permanent feature of South America for at least the last 55 million years. During the late Palaocene the ‘rainforest’ or ‘megathermal moist forest’ (MTMF) may have stretched as far south as 45°S in South America. The main climatic feature of the last 55 million years has been global cooling and the general constriction of the megathermal moist forests to the tropics. However, the Amazon rainforest has survived the high temperatures of the early Eocene climate optimum and the aridity and low carbon dioxide levels of the Quaternary glacial periods. The Amazon rainforest should, therefore, not be viewed as a geologically ephemeral feature of South America, but rather as a constant feature of the global Cenozoic biosphere. The forest is now, however, entering a set of climatic conditions with no past analogue.
John Horgan
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199772858
- eISBN:
- 9780199307418
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199772858.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
The dissidents take their inspiration from the past. In particular, they look to the 1916 rebellion as a model for how they need to assert Irish independence and rid Ireland of Britain’s presence ...
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The dissidents take their inspiration from the past. In particular, they look to the 1916 rebellion as a model for how they need to assert Irish independence and rid Ireland of Britain’s presence forever. They also, however, are looking to the future. In four years, the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising will be upon us. In four years, the dissidents have time to prove whether they really are here to stay.Less
The dissidents take their inspiration from the past. In particular, they look to the 1916 rebellion as a model for how they need to assert Irish independence and rid Ireland of Britain’s presence forever. They also, however, are looking to the future. In four years, the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising will be upon us. In four years, the dissidents have time to prove whether they really are here to stay.
Livia Kohn
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199751198
- eISBN:
- 9780199918782
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199751198.003.0004
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This chapter surveys the topic of Chinese mysticism. Chinese mysticism can be taught on its own, as part of a comprehensive class on Chinese religions and/or Daoism, or within the larger framework of ...
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This chapter surveys the topic of Chinese mysticism. Chinese mysticism can be taught on its own, as part of a comprehensive class on Chinese religions and/or Daoism, or within the larger framework of an introduction to mysticism in comparative perspective. In any case, the presentation has to deal with specific concepts and topics; work through major historical periods; and examine issues of terminology, conceptualization, and methodology. As regards topics, this chapter notes that three essential areas stand out: the object of the mystical quest (Dao, deities, heavenly realms, immortality) that leads to a discussion of philosophy, cosmology, and mythology; the subject of the endeavor (body-mind, qi, intention, essence, spirit, internal deities), which brings up problems of traditional psychology and body geography; and the methods of achievement (longevity practices, visualizations, internal energy work), which invites comparative examination of other techniques, such as prayers, forms of meditation, devotion, and the like.Less
This chapter surveys the topic of Chinese mysticism. Chinese mysticism can be taught on its own, as part of a comprehensive class on Chinese religions and/or Daoism, or within the larger framework of an introduction to mysticism in comparative perspective. In any case, the presentation has to deal with specific concepts and topics; work through major historical periods; and examine issues of terminology, conceptualization, and methodology. As regards topics, this chapter notes that three essential areas stand out: the object of the mystical quest (Dao, deities, heavenly realms, immortality) that leads to a discussion of philosophy, cosmology, and mythology; the subject of the endeavor (body-mind, qi, intention, essence, spirit, internal deities), which brings up problems of traditional psychology and body geography; and the methods of achievement (longevity practices, visualizations, internal energy work), which invites comparative examination of other techniques, such as prayers, forms of meditation, devotion, and the like.