rpsls t1_iuhaj10 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 9:57 AM

Reply to comment by Quizzy_MacQface in ELI5 How did knights participate in tournaments like jousting without killing themselves? by QuantumHamster

Common misconception. The life expectancy was so low because lack of vaccines and antibiotics meant most people didn’t survive childhood. Once you were 30 you had a pretty good shot of hitting 60 even before modern medicine.

Quizzy_MacQface t1_iuhd2e0 wrote on October 31, 2022 at 10:32 AM

Good point, but what I meant by "old age starting at 40" was more about an increased risk of cerebrovascular accidents, heart attacks, arthritis, gout, loosing your teeth... All those aches that nowadays start at 70.

Also I meant for it to be a funny silly comment, I don't really believe anyone is more willing to risk their life just because their average life expectancy is lower. My bad for not saying "/s" at the end of my comment I guess...

Ender_Keys t1_iuhj5hl wrote on October 31, 2022 at 11:44 AM

I mean alot of that stuff cardiovascular wise and losing your teeth didn't really become an issue until the 1500s. Gout was an issue for Nobles though