[Yardstick]

I think the average lifespan from that period is a little misleading since it’s dragged down high childhood mortality rates. If you survived to be an adult your odds of surviving to old age weren’t that different from us moderns. In other words, the founders would have been considered relatively young men even in their time.

[cripplecreek]

I think the average lifespan from that period is a little misleading since it’s dragged down high childhood mortality rates.

I agree. From my genealogy research I'm seeing a lot of male relatives living pretty much the same length lives as today. (Depending on what they did for a living) The women didn't seem to live as long but producing 7 to 15 children took a lot out of a woman. Then about half the children died. My shortest lived ancestors tended to be sailors who were lost at sea or on the great lakes.

[afraidfortherepublic]

I’m glad somebody finally made that point!