I’m a fan of mortality reports and tables, such as this most recent one from CDC (USA, 2023): https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db521.htm

Is this healthy or unhealthy (if it is not your job)?

One one hand, I feel like it gives me a sense of the real risks facing me and my loved ones. It gives me a sense of when and how we can go, and I hope it will make death a little less shocking when it happens. I also think it makes me a better citizen, by developing a better understanding of the welfare of my fellow citizens.

On the other, I wonder if it gives a false sense of control and understanding. I wonder if the averaging blurs the reality of my individual life. Perhaps I could address that problem by applying an equation that accounts for what I do know about myself (like a life insurance actuary would), but that also could get a bit obsessive. While I like reading these reports, there’s really no need to read them more than once a year, or refer back to them when a specific question arises. I do sometimes get anxious to see the most recent updates, but that’s largely due to the numbers being in flux due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

#philosophy #mortality