The Birthday Effect
The “birthday effect” is a statistical phenomenon in which a person’s likelihood of dying is higher on, or around, their birthday. Even more interesting, a 2012 Swiss study found that you’re statistically 13.8% more likely to die on your actual birthday than any other single day in the year (in adults aged 60 or older).
For example – fitness professional Richard Simmons died on July 13, 2024. His birthday was July 12th.
An additional study in 2015 conducted in the United States found that, on average, the risk of dying on your birthday is 6.7% higher than any other day in the calendar year. Other research shows that mortality peaks close to a person’s birthday – the week before for men and the week after for women.
But why? An article written by Lindsay Dodgson for Business Insider details several possible explanations.
– External causes seem to be at play. Excessive drinking appears to play a role, as people tend to drink more on their birthday, sometimes leading or contributing to accidents. In the United States, for example, there is a high mortality rate for people the day after their 21st birthday, largely due to an increase in alcohol-related accidents after reaching the legal age for drinking.
– Psychological reasons appear to have a great impact. For example, terminally ill patients may set their sights on their birthday as a goal to live for, holding on until they reach another milestone.
– Physiological reasons may contribute. Our bodies run on circadian rhythms which are set to not only a 24-hour cycle, but an annual cycle as well. As such, scientists have suggested that our bodies may trigger stress (and eventually death) around the date we were born.
Whenever your birthday falls on the calendar, we encourage you to be smart and stay safe! Embrace your new age with a positive attitude and healthy habits. After all, in the words of the great Mark Twain, “Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.”
Submitted by Russell Atkin, Licensed Funeral Director/Owner
Serenity Funeral Home is always full service, never full price. Visit us at 1316 S. 400 E., Ste. A5, or call (435) 986-2085. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SerenityFuneralSTG.
