Because you may have 2 different parents to care for instead of just 1. In general, this could also mean longer caregiving periods based on the ages of the divorce vs typical lifespan.

death is a single sad event. A specific day.

Unexpectedly becoming the sole caregiver of an aging parent seems different to me. I can imagine some resentment, especially if it’s unexpected _and_ one is already the caregiver for their own spouse, children, etc. It changes your life plans, adds additional daily stress in your life, and may also add financial stress.

My reaction to be thrust into this responsibility is different if my parent just up and left vs died.

It’s my responsibility into the later and me assuming their responsibility in the former.

2 people to fund retirements for as separate people for many adult kids who have solid careers and irresponsible parents. Ignoring healthcare it’s about twice as expensive both in time and money.

HN folks I assume are expected to handle these sorts of obligations more than average due to tech career incomes.