Absolutely heartbreaking challenges can occur at any age. But all of those things get more probable as you, your friends, and family get older.

That means that more people will face more challenges at the same time as they age. And, more importantly, any individual facing real hardship while young is unfortunately still likely to face greater hardships as they get older. That is why the OP's advice to build perspective earlier in life is useful for everyone, and does not discount the reality of hardship for the article writer or other young people.