WATCH: Statistically Speaking, How Will You Die?

We all know it’s coming eventually, but have you ever stopped to wonder how you’re most likely to go?

While Hollywood might have you thinking death comes in the form of dramatic car chases or mysterious assassins, the reality is much more mundane—and far more predictable.

Statistically speaking, over half of all deaths in the United States are caused by just two culprits: heart disease and cancer.

If you live in a developed nation, your odds are similar.

But before you start spiraling into existential dread, here’s some good news: thanks to advances in medicine, your lifespan today is nearly double what it was just a century ago.

The average global life expectancy has risen from 31 years in 1900 to 71 years today.

And in many developed countries, people routinely live well into their 80s and beyond.

But while modern medicine has helped us push the boundaries of longevity, we’re still finding bizarre ways to die.

Take, for instance, the 27 people last year who died in ‘selfie-related accidents.’ Or the hundreds in Russia who perish annually due to falling ice.

And let’s not forget the tragic case of the gamer who played StarCraft for 50 hours straight—only to succumb to heart failure.

While these unusual causes make headlines, they’re statistical outliers.

The majority of us will face more predictable, albeit preventable, threats. So, what are the biggest risks, and what can we do to tip the odds in our favor?

The Most Likely Causes of Death

If we take the U.S. population as a case study, out of 318 million people in 2014, over 2.5 million died that year. The biggest killers?

Heart Disease: The number one cause of death, accounting for about 1 in 4 deaths.
Cancer: Responsible for nearly as many fatalities as heart disease.
Respiratory Diseases: Conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pneumonia.
Accidents: Including car crashes, falls, and other unintentional injuries, which accounted for 136,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2014 alone.
Stroke: A leading cause of long-term disability as well as mortality.

The good news? Many of these are preventable. Modern medicine, better public awareness, and lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk.

Are We Actually Dying Less?

Now, here’s where things get interesting. A century ago, your odds of dying were much, much worse.

In the early 1900s, infectious diseases like tuberculosis, smallpox, and influenza were among the top killers.

A simple bacterial infection could mean a death sentence. Today, vaccines and antibiotics have virtually eliminated many of those threats.

But there’s a catch. While we’ve managed to beat infectious diseases, new dangers have emerged.

Our sedentary lifestyles, processed foods, and stress-filled routines have skyrocketed rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

In other words, we’ve traded infectious diseases for lifestyle-related killers.

Think about it: in 1900, heart disease wasn’t even in the top three causes of death. Now, it’s the leading cause worldwide.

Why? Because we’re living long enough for chronic diseases to develop.

At the same time, there’s still reason for optimism. Survival rates for cancer have improved dramatically.

In the 1970s, your odds of surviving a cancer diagnosis were around 50%. Today, that number has jumped to 68%.

In the U.S. alone, there are now 15.5 million cancer survivors. We haven’t found a cure yet, but we’re getting better at fighting it.

How You Can Beat the Statistics

While death is inevitable, how and when it happens is more in your control than you might think.

Here’s how you can drastically reduce your chances of succumbing to the most common killers:

1. Protect Your Heart

Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activity).
Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Manage stress through mindfulness, meditation, or hobbies.
Limit processed foods and cut down on added sugars and sodium.
Quit smoking and moderate alcohol consumption.

2. Lower Your Cancer Risk

Get screened regularly. Early detection saves lives.
Avoid tobacco—it’s linked to at least 13 different types of cancer.
Eat a plant-based diet with a variety of colors and nutrients.
Wear sunscreen. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types.
Limit alcohol and maintain a healthy weight.

3. Reduce the Risk of Accidents

Always wear a seatbelt—car crashes remain a top cause of accidental death.
Practice workplace safety if you’re in a high-risk job.
Be mindful of falls. For older adults, falls are a leading cause of serious injury and death.
Stay aware of your surroundings. Avoid risky behaviors like texting while driving or taking dangerous selfies in high places.

Can We Live Even Longer?

The future of human longevity is closer to science fiction than you might think.

Researchers are actively working on ways to extend the human lifespan well beyond 100 years. Some of the most promising developments include:

Genetic Engineering: Scientists are studying ways to tweak our DNA to slow aging.
Regenerative Medicine: Stem cell therapy and organ regeneration could replace failing body parts instead of waiting for transplants.
AI and Big Data: Predictive analytics could help detect diseases before symptoms even appear.
Anti-Aging Drugs: Researchers are testing drugs like metformin and rapamycin, which may extend human lifespan.

While we may not be immortal anytime soon, it’s likely that today’s young generation will see an average lifespan well beyond 100 years.

The challenge is not just living longer, but staying healthy longer.