Dying Young

Life expectancy has steadily increased throughout the years, especially since the 1950's. This can be attributed to many factors including medical technology, improved food production, etc. The few countries that have seen a decrease are almost all in a state of turmoil and some in civil war.

The United States will almost certainly see that upward trend end during this century, maybe even in the next decade. It will be no other's doing but our own. 65% of our adults are overweight. 31% of our adults are obese. Obesity can lower a person's life expectancy by as much as 10 years.

That's not to say that medicine will not advance at a similar rate. It very well may, but I doubt it. Throughout history, there have been factors that have lowered life expectancy that have been largely uncontrollable. These include war, disease, etc. This is not one of those cases.

Everyday people choose to die younger. Everyday people choose to make excuses instead of making changes. Everyday I become more unsympathetic.