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135 points andsoitis | 2 comments | | HN request time: 0.408s | source
1. lynx23 ◴[] No.41849464[source]
I always wondered why I personally know almost nobody who has managed to exceed average age. With the only exception of my previous landlady, she became 95. In my family, the average age is roughly 60, with three siblings on my fathers side dying before 50. Both my grandpas died around 50. My best friend died with 18. Many of the fellow blind people I know died below 50. And I am from a relatively rich country, with classical western standards. It is almost as if I was thrown into a local minimum while the simulation was set up. I would understand if the phenomenon was largely limited to my family, call it genes then. But it doesn't end there. I guess the personal statistics becomes only meaningful after your own death and beyond. But really, looking at how many people had to pass away early, I am beginning to get spooked.
replies(1): >>41851283 #
2. asoneth ◴[] No.41851283[source]
> I would understand if the phenomenon was largely limited to my family, call it genes then

Perhaps there are other shared variables besides genes? For one thing, blindness is associated with higher mortality [1]. And even within a country, life expectancy can vary dramatically by region, city, and even neighborhood. Or perhaps the people you know happen to be more likely to share certain occupations, mindsets, levels of physical activity, or diets?

Or maybe it's just coincidence.

[1] https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langlo/article/PIIS2214-1...