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Given the stochastic nature of a lifespan, I believe the statement,

"We haven't really doubled our longevity, we just took care of some things that lead to a lot more [younger people] reaching [an older age]."

is, and will remain, true.

Exactly, Socrates was 71 when he was put to death.

Are you suggesting modern medical science not helping people live longer by treating Cancer, Organ Transplants, Bypass surgeries etc ? I am seeing so much pessimism on HN , it seems unlikely that majority of people here are hackers.

I'm saying that the bulk of that increase in average lifespan was due to relatively simple advances in medicine/medical understanding.