Death is an inevitable part of life, but no one wants to die young. It’s important to know the factors that can increase your risk of dying early and take proactive steps to reduce them.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of the risk factors for early death and how to assess your own risk.

What is Early Death?

Early death refers to dying before the average life expectancy in a given population. In the United States, the average life expectancy is currently around 78 years. Anything below that could be considered an early death.

Common Causes of Early Death

Heart disease, cancer, and respiratory diseases are the leading causes of early death worldwide. Other common causes include accidents (such as car crashes), suicide, and drug overdose.

Depending on your age and lifestyle, some causes may be more likely than others.

Factors that Increase Your Risk of Early Death

Some factors that can increase your risk of early death include:.

Age
Gender
Family history of certain diseases
Chronic health conditions (such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity)
Poor lifestyle choices (such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, or lack of physical activity)
Exposure to environmental toxins or pollution
Unsafe behaviors (such as reckless driving or not wearing a seatbelt)
Excessive stress
Malnutrition or poor diet

How to Assess Your Risk of Early Death

There are several tools available to help you assess your risk of early death based on your age, gender, lifestyle, and health history. Here are a few examples:.

Life Expectancy Calculator: This tool uses demographic data and information about your health, lifestyle, and medical history to estimate how long you are likely to live.
Heart Disease Risk Calculator: This tool calculates your risk of developing heart disease based on factors like your age, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and smoking status.
Cancer Risk Assessment Tool: This tool uses your personal and family medical history to estimate your risk of developing specific types of cancer.
Diabetes Risk Test: This test assesses your risk of developing type 2 diabetes based on factors like your age, weight, and physical activity level.
Depression Screening: Depression is a leading cause of early death. Screening tools like the PHQ-9 can help identify symptoms of depression and guide you towards appropriate treatment.

Take Control of Your Health

Once you know your risk factors for early death, you can take proactive steps to reduce them. Here are some strategies to consider:.

Quit smoking or using tobacco products
Limit alcohol consumption
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week.
Manage chronic health conditions: Follow your doctor’s instructions for managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Practice stress-reducing activities like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises
Seek help for mental health issues like depression or anxiety
Wear your seatbelt and practice safe driving habits
Avoid exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants
Stay up-to-date on appropriate cancer screenings for your age and gender