15+ Signs You'll Probably Die Young

It’s no secret that smoking is a habit directly linked to premature death. Regular smokers are at a higher risk of developing fatal health issues such as heart disease and various cancers. In fact, did you know that smoking is the main cause of most cases of lung cancer?

Accidental death from drug overdose is on the rise among young people. Be wary of recreational drugs that might have been laced with other harmful substances. Additionally, it’s a bad idea to take multiple recreational drugs at the same time – this can cause serious, fatal complications.

Unfortunately, it’s not easy to control this one – some individuals are genetically predisposed to specific health conditions or diseases. For example, if your parents or grandparents died young, you might face the same fate. However, it’s worth noting that leading a healthy lifestyle (which has nothing to do with your genes) can also have an influence.

Seatbelts might be an annoyance, but they could just save you from dying young. Motor vehicle and road traffic accidents are one of the leading causes of accidental death in young people. By wearing a seatbelt, you protect yourself from serious injury, regardless of whether you’re the driver or a passenger.

Western culture somewhat normalizes binge drinking, but that doesn’t mean it can’t kill you. Regular, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to all sorts of health conditions over time, including liver disease, heart disease, and cancer. Not only that, but you are far more likely to get into dangerous, potentially fatal, situations when under the influence.

Living a sedentary lifestyle is bound to negatively impact your physical health. Sitting all day and rarely exercising contributes to issues such as obesity and heart disease, which in turn can lead to early death. Even regular gentle exercise like walking could reduce your chance of suffering from a heart attack or developing certain cancers.

It’s important to have hobbies and interests that you enjoy, but the truth is that some hobbies are far more dangerous than others! If you’re an adrenaline junkie who regularly engages in activities such as sky diving or dirt bike riding, your risk of being involved in a fatal accident increases significantly.

Making poor dietary choices like eating fast food all the time can easily shorten your lifespan. These foods are often highly processed and packed with sugar and sodium. Eating them regularly contributes to chronic issues such as obesity, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes. Try incorporating more whole foods into your diet if you want to live longer.

It’s easy to feel somewhat invincible when you’re young, but something as simple as not looking where you’re going can lead to premature death. If you’re a pedestrian, avoid scrolling on your phone while crossing roads and parking lots. Stay alert and don’t assume that others will stop for you – being distracted could just cost you your life.

Bad news if you’re a divorced man – previous research has indicated that men in long-term marriages are more likely to live longer than men who are divorced or separated. The reasoning is that divorced men may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking, smoking, and avoiding doctor’s visits.

Skin cancers such as melanoma are common among young people compared with other types of cancers. And one major cause is forgetting to slather on sunscreen every day to protect your skin. It might seem tedious but it’s a habit worth picking up, especially if you live in a sunny climate. It could just save you from an early grave.

You might have heard the common saying, “I’ll sleep when I’m dead.” The irony is that not getting enough sleep can lead to an early death! If you regularly get under six hours of sleep a night, this increases your risk of developing serious chronic health problems such as heart disease.

No matter how much you exercise or how healthily you eat, the power of social connection cannot be underestimated. Being lonely and isolated has been scientifically linked to early death. This is because isolated people are more likely to have weaker immune systems and are therefore at a higher risk of dying from various health issues.

Plastic surgery addiction (linked to body dysmorphic disorder) is rare but not to be taken lightly. With any surgery comes an element of risk, so when you continuously go under the knife voluntarily, the risk of experiencing serious complications increases. Some procedures are also far more dangerous than others.

You might have your driver’s license, but don’t get too complacent. Try to keep road rage under control as much as possible – driving while angry only puts you in greater danger. Avoid driving while overly sleepy or emotional as this can also lead to nasty accidents. While you can’t control the actions of others, you can ensure that your own actions remain responsible.

Do you live in a bustling city where you're regularly exposed to smog and air pollution? You might not realize it, but your environment could cause you to develop cardiovascular issues and respiratory disease. According to some studies, long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution can even cut your life short.

You don't exactly need to be a bodybuilder, but having some degree of physical strength could prolong your life. When you’re physically weak, especially in the legs and core, you’re much more likely to fall and injure yourself (potentially fatally). Additionally, a lack of muscle mass is often a sign of excess body fat. This opens a whole other can of worms in terms of the health risks of obesity.

Some occupations are more dangerous than others. If you work in the military, in construction work, or as a firefighter, for instance, you are automatically at higher risk of suffering a fatal workplace accident. If you want to live for as long as possible, you might just want to re-think your career path.

Severe depression can increase your risk of death no matter your age; however, it is particularly prevalent in adolescents. In fact, suicide is one of the leading causes of death for teens and young adults. Suicide rates are particularly high in men in their early 20s. It’s therefore important to reach out for help when you need it – it could save your life.

This one is a no-brainer – the more you avoid routine health check-ups, the less likely you are to catch signs of sinister health issues early on. For instance, you're far more likely to survive various cancers if they're detected earlier rather than later. That’s why it’s important to attend appointments whenever you’re invited.

Even if you’re an experienced bike rider, you should be wearing a helmet every single time you hit the road. Refusing to wear one because it looks “uncool” could lead to serious injury or even cost you your life! This is because there’s simply no way to predict the actions of others.

Sadly, it’s not possible to control whether you grow up rich or poor; however, data suggests that people who can afford to go to college are more likely to live longer than those who drop out of high school. While it’s not clear exactly why, it's logical to assume that being better educated leads to higher paying jobs with medical care.

Using the body mass index (BMI) to diagnose obesity isn’t perfect, but generally speaking, you could be at risk of premature death if your BMI is 30 or above. In fact, the higher your BMI score, the higher your risk of dying early. This is true for both women and men, though the risk for men is greater.

Don’t dice with death… Previous studies have shown that those who partake in heavy gambling are at a significantly higher risk of death compared to the general population. There are several explanations for this. Most likely, people with gambling disorder are more likely to suffer from mental health issues, ultimately leading to suicide in some cases.

Are you feeling somewhat lost in life? This could lead to your early demise. Research suggests that people who feel productive and committed to their work are more likely to live longer. On the other hand, boredom and restlessness can lead to depression or engaging in harmful behaviors such as smoking and taking recreational drugs.

Being unable to walk briskly is another tell-tale sign that you might die before your peers. The simple reason is that it shows your circulatory system just isn’t in good shape. Turn things around by exercising more often to improve your cardiovascular health. It’s also worth visiting a health professional in case you have underlying health problems.

When it comes to preventable premature deaths, homicide by an abusive partner is among the leading causes. If you are concerned that you're in a physically abusive relationship, seek help and advice on actionable steps you can take. You never know when things could escalate, so it’s better to leave sooner rather than later.

Hiking fatalities are admittedly rare, but you certainly don’t want to put yourself at unnecessary risk. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, it’s always worth scoping out hiking trails and weather conditions before you set out. It’s also a good idea to go with a group. The last thing you want is to be stranded and exhausted on rocky terrain.

Most people only check their heart rate when exercising; however, it’s worth having a look when you’re at rest as well. Research has shown that people who have a resting heart rate of 80 beats per minute (or above) are more likely to die early than those with 45 beats per minute. Luckily, it is possible to improve your heart health through lifestyle changes.

Being unable to walk up several flights of stairs is all to do with poor heart health, which is a predictor of early death. If you always avoid walking, whether it’s by taking the elevator or driving, you’re less likely to be in good shape, and therefore more likely to die young.

Unfortunately, there’s no way to avoid childhood trauma. However, studies have shown that being a victim is linked to an increased risk of dying young. Experiencing trauma in childhood can lead you to develop chronic health conditions. You may also be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse. The good news is that being aware is the first step to making positive changes.

Interestingly, men who experience issues with erectile dysfunction could be at risk for early death. Experts believe it’s a warning sign of heart disease even though the two areas are seemingly unrelated. However, it makes sense – when your arteries are clogged, this also affects blood flow and blood vessels elsewhere in the body.

How quickly can you stand up from a seated position? Previous research has suggested that people who are slower to rise from a chair are more likely to die in the next ten years than those who can get up easily. This is likely related to weight and cardiovascular health.

You might be at risk of dying young if you were born with a congenital condition (also commonly called a birth defect). For example, babies who are born with cystic fibrosis typically have a shorter life expectancy than those who aren't. Saying that, new treatments and technologies are continually providing a more positive outlook.

There’s no denying that processed meats such as bacon and sausages are delicious but eating them too often could lead to dying early. The World Health Organization classifies processed meat as a carcinogen – regular consumption can lead to long-term issues such as colorectal cancer over time.

You might think that having a gun in your home keeps you safe; however, the opposite is often true. Accidental (or intentional) homicide by shooting is a real risk, especially for women and children. If you must have a gun, ensure that it is always locked away securely.

Snoring and sleep apnea (when you struggle to breathe freely at night) aren’t just bad habits – they can be potentially dangerous. Not only do you not get enough oxygen throughout the night, but sleep apnea can prevent you from getting enough sleep. Left untreated, this can ultimately put you at a higher risk of stroke and heart attacks.

If you’re an online content creator, refrain from blindly following viral social media trends and challenges. These are created purely to generate clicks and comments, often at the risk of your own personal safety. Additionally, avoid putting yourself in dangerous situations just to get that perfect Instagram photo.

Do you dive into the ocean on vacation without a moment’s hesitation? You could be putting yourself at serious risk! Swimming in unknown waters, especially in secluded areas, can be extremely dangerous. Always take notice of warning signs and check currents beforehand to prevent disaster.

Eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa are a real health risk for young people, especially women. While they typically stem from mental health issues, they can wreak havoc on your physical health as a result. It’s essential that you reach out for help if you are suffering to prevent early death.