[music] [music] Thank you. [screaming] Last December, I was on a group call with six of my closest girlfriends. We live in cities all over the world, so we make it a point every other month without fail to check in with each other to catch up on the big moments in life that are too big for the group chat. Now, on this particular day, I had something unexpected to share. I took a deep breath. I scanned their faces on my screen and I said, "Seven days from now, I'm scheduled for a mistctomy. I'm going to lose ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the complexities of deciding when to start receiving Social Security benefits, emphasizing that benefits are calculated based on the highest 35 years of earnings rather than the most recent years [1][2][4] - It highlights the potential for individuals to increase their benefits by continuing to work and earning more than their previous highest earning years [12] - The article also addresses the implications of life expectancy on retirement planning, noting that longer life expectancies necessitate careful consideration of retirement savings and benefit timing [14][15] Summary by Sections Social Security Benefits Calculation - Benefits are based on the highest 35 years of earnings, allowing for potential increases if higher income is earned after starting benefits [1][12] - The Social Security Administration reviews earnings records annually, even after benefits have begun [2] Retirement Age and Benefits - Individuals born in 1960 or later will reach full retirement age (FRA) at 67, with benefits increasing for each year benefits are delayed until age 70 [3][13] - Starting benefits before FRA results in reduced monthly payments, while no benefits are withheld after reaching FRA regardless of earnings [4][8] Financial Considerations - The maximum monthly benefit for those starting at age 62 is $2,831, while the average benefit for women at age 66 is $1,441.82 [11] - If an individual continues to work and earns above their previous highest years, they can displace lower-earning years and increase their benefits [12] Life Expectancy and Retirement Planning - Life expectancy for men reaching age 65 is projected at 84.3 years, and for women, it is 86.9 years, indicating a need for long-term financial planning [14] - The decision of when to retire and start benefits is personal and should consider financial implications and personal fulfillment [16]

Main Argument - The presentation focuses on the disparity in life expectancy between high-income and low-income countries, highlighting preventable deaths as a key issue [13][15] - It argues that unequal access to basic healthcare, sanitation, and safety contributes to a significant "death gap" of over 25 years between high and low-income countries [14] - The presentation questions the ethical implications of focusing on extending life indefinitely while neglecting the immediate needs of those who die prematurely from preventable causes [17][18] Supporting Points - The speaker uses the example of Kane Tanaka, who lived to 119 years old, to illustrate that simply "not dying" from preventable causes is a major factor in longevity [8][20] - The presentation emphasizes that even within high-income countries, there is a 10+ year life expectancy gap between the rich and the poor [15] - Public health interventions like sanitation, hygiene, and protection from unhealthy environments are presented as cost-effective solutions to address preventable deaths [19] Philosophical Considerations - The presentation raises questions about the impact of unequal life expectancy on democracy and the return on investment, suggesting that those who live longer benefit more from existing systems [5][17] - It challenges the prioritization of research on eternal life over addressing the immediate needs of those with lower life expectancies [17][18]