But it has brought the benefit of a longer and better life, and not just for the old: since 1980, infant mortality has fallen by 45%.

ECONOMIST: The economy

"Maybe it's because it makes people think about their mortality, or it makes them feel old, " Ramachandran said.

CNN: SHARE THIS

White males aged 50 years old who have no schooling beyond high school have mortality rates more than twice as high as those with college degrees.

FORBES: Ideas & Opinions