What are the chances.......

[Jon C]

OK, a bit of an odd one, but bear with me. I realise there may not be an answer to this.

OK, everyone is born, and some, for whatever reason, live longer than others. Be it illness, accident, misadventure or whatever, a proportion of those born will die as a result of something other than old age.

My question is this, are there any figures anywhere illustrating this, and has anyone worked out the probability of making, or not making "old bones". I know there are lots of lifestyle factors involved, and there seems to be a different set of odds issued every day for smokers, drinkers, etc. But taking the average person, at the moment of birth, what are the chances of meeting your maker earlier than you might have thought?

[chim_knee]

I'm pleased to say that yes, someone has worked it out!

>> Edited by chim_knee on Thursday 22 September 21:43

[simpo two]

Jon C said:

But taking the average person, at the moment of birth, what are the chances of meeting your maker earlier than you might have thought?

At that point it's entirely genetic, since no other factors have come into play.

[lazyitus]

Bizarre. I gave thought to this topic this morning on my drive to work.

Didn't reach a conclusion though.

[chim_knee]

lazyitus said:

Didn't reach a conclusion though.

You mean you're still on your drive to work?

>> Edited by chim_knee on Thursday 22 September 22:11

[lazyitus]

chim_knee said:

lazyitus said: Bizarre. I gave thought to this topic this morning on my drive to work. Didn't reach a conclusion though. You mean you're still on your drive to work?

No. I've pulled over to check PH out on my mobile. I'll be off again in a minute though.