Because all living things must die when they complete their life cycle, and because no person has ever escaped death, it is certain that you will die someday. But because medical science has eliminated or brought under control many of the diseases that once kept people from reaching old age, it is likely that you will live a very long time. Today, the average life expectancy of a man living in the Unites States is around 74 years; the average American woman will reach about 80 years of age. And because medical science continues to improve health care and is studying old age and trying to find ways to minimize its effects the average life span is expected to climb higher still.
For people fortunate enough to live in a wealthy, industrialized nation (like those in North America and Western Europe), their chances of living a longer life are improved by those countries high quality living conditions, food supply, and medical care. Your genes, inherited from your parents, also play a role in your life span. In addition to determining things like your hair color and height, your genes can also affect your ability to avoid certain diseases or conditions. Finally, your behavior and lifestyle have a lot to do with how long you’ll live: eating right, getting enough sleep, exercising, and seeking regular medical care can all contribute to a longer life.
