George Washington was often concerned he would die young. His father died at 48 and his favorite sibling, Lawrence, was only in his early thirties when he passed away.
Many of Washington’s siblings died even younger than Lawrence, including his sister Mildred who was three and half-sister Jane who lived about 12 years. During the 18th century, men of Washington’s class lived on average to their late forties or early fifties whereas women were at much greater risk due to pregnancy and often did not live as long.1
To try to prevent an early death, Washington exercised, ate and drank moderately, attempted to get enough sleep, and avoided tobacco.2 Even with these healthy habits, Washington was afflicted with a number of serious illnesses, but he did live to be 67.
