The Value of Longevity in Mexico

This paper evaluates the gains in longevity based on individuals will- ingness to pay, and measures the social values of these gains. We apply the Mur- phy and Topel (2003, 2006) model for Mexico for the first time, which allows us to estimate the value of a life year and the value of remaining years of life at each age. We also apply the estimates to three cases to exemplify how these calcula- tions can be used in decisions concerning public policy: value of gains in mortality rates, cost of deaths associated with obesity, and a cost-benefit analysis of lives saved through treatment for children with leukemia