How much of that life expectancy 100 years ago were affected by child mortality?...

mcguire · on Dec 30, 2013

Given the stochastic nature of a lifespan, I believe the statement,

"We haven't really doubled our longevity, we just took care of some things that lead to a lot more [younger people] reaching [an older age]."

is, and will remain, true.

dorfsmay · on Dec 30, 2013

Exactly, Socrates was 71 when he was put to death.

31reasons · on Dec 30, 2013

Are you suggesting modern medical science not helping people live longer by treating Cancer, Organ Transplants, Bypass surgeries etc ? I am seeing so much pessimism on HN , it seems unlikely that majority of people here are hackers.

Dewie · on Dec 30, 2013

I'm saying that the bulk of that increase in average lifespan was due to relatively simple advances in medicine/medical understanding.