I think the difference is people generally get Life Insurance when they are younger (I'm guessing frequently when they have kids, that is when I got it at least) but get Annuities when they are a senior. I don't know anyone my age who is purchasing an annuity now, though I suppose there must be someone who would be willing to sell it.
I think the deal would have to be very sweet for eg a 30 year old like yours truly to forgo 35 years of index fund gains to pick up an annuity instead. That's also 35 years where the annuity firm itself night shutter its doors - a risky play, but right for the right price.
