There are a number of things that are important determinants of health. In addition to other factors, where and who you are born as is important. If you are born into a wealthy family, you will be far more likely to reach adulthood than if born into a poverty-strickened family. While more females survive at all ages than males, males tend to have more advantaged socially than are females. Access to education is very important, as is activity level. Diet and smoking are also important.

There are probably only four or five things that make any difference to how long you will live: a family history of longevity, exercise, diet and smoking.

Of these four, you can change three. The question is, will you try to?