The life annuities are recommended investments for the old age. There are various quantitative arguments supporting this fact.
One of such arguments based on the concept of utility are given in this contribution. The annuity equivalent wealth AEW which enables to compare various annuity markets is calculated using Czech data.
However, in spite of the fact that the annuitization through life annuities or pensions can be an effective instrument how to ensure economically seniors, the low demand on life annuities contradicts this result. Some practical reasons for this "annuity puzzle" are mentioned in conclusion.