Overall U.S. life insurance application activity increased 1.8% in September, compared to the last year, but the year-to-date activity remains 1.2% lower than the same nine-month period last year.

The monthly MIB Index reported growth of 2.7% in the 45-59 age group and 13.8% in the 60+ age group, while the 0-44 age group had a 1.2% decrease.

The increase in the 45-59 age group was the best since February.

Third-quarter activity was up slightly, by 0.3%, compared to the July through September period in 2008.