The Death of the 2016 (Celebrity)

This has been a long time coming. Everyone and I do mean EVERYONE has been up in arms over the celebrity deaths this year. Depending on the news source you use, there have been at least 200 celebrity deaths this year. Everyone thinks that's more than any other year in the past. And maybe it is, I don't know. Every news source reports a different number of deaths because what makes a person a celebrity and whose deaths are considered notable are purely opinions. Those that are notable to me, may not matter to you. So, it's difficult to quantify an exact number. 

The Curse of 2016

There is no curse. Let's face it, life and death is a crap-shoot. Sometimes, your number gets drawn... and if you're lucky, sometimes it doesn't. The life of a celebrity is a hard one and it takes a toll on the body, mind, and spirit. It's life in the fast lane...literally. Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll, baby!!! Even if the celebrity has been clean and sober for years, the toll taken on the body is permanent from the lifestyle. And even celebrities who did not dabble with - or become addicted to - drugs or alcohol are likely to have experienced some strain and stress from their fame.

 Many of the deaths in 2016 came from celebrities that are among the "Baby Boomer" generation. These are the births between 1946 and 1964. That is a WIDE RANGE---52 years of age and 70 years of age and many celebrities that died this year fit within that range. This is when health begins to decline naturally, as one transitions into a senior citizen. 

The Decline of The Life Expectancy

A study was released by the CDC stating that the US Life Expectancy has decreased for the first time since 1993, when the death rate was higher due to AIDS, the flu, homicide and accidental deaths. Nobody knows why. There are a few thoughts as to the cause such as obesity, opioid abuse and suicide. So, If you are in your 40’s or 50’s, you will probably not live as long as your parents or grandparents did. Bummer. The overall death rate for Americans increased because mortality from heart disease and stroke increased after declining for years. Deaths were also up from Alzheimer's disease, respiratory disease, kidney disease and diabetes. More Americans also died from unintentional injuries and suicide. In all, the decline was driven by increases in deaths from eight of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. It is inevitable that celebrities will fall into this. 

2017 And Beyond

When you factor in all of the above variables, it's inescapable to realize that celebrity deaths are on the rise...and will continue to rise. Not because there is a curse on any particular year. But because death is an unavoidable truth for our beloved celebrities...and for us. 6,316 people die each hour. That's 151,600 each day and 55.3 MILLION each year. It stands to reason that a good portion of these are celebrities. And there are probably dozens more that we don't even know about because their families kept it private. 

And, folks....I don't want to think about it either....But Betty White WILL eventually die. On January 17th, she will be 95. She has led an impressive life in that time and she IS America's Sweetheart. I'm going to be devastated when she goes too! But no GoFundMe page or anything else will keep it from happening if and when it's meant to be.

My Friend is Grieving a Celeb Death - What Do I Do?

Nothing. Let them grieve. It's true, they didn't PERSONALLY know that celebrity. But for your friend, that celebrity signifies or symbolizes something. Maybe it's a particular song or movie the celebrity is known for that got your friend through a break-up, death, or other hard time. Or maybe that celebrity was just very well-known and popular during your friend's childhood or early adulthood. Leave your friend alone and let him or her grieve. Don't be a dick by stating, "Why?! You didn't even know them!" Or "So-and-so died. It's time to get on the bandwagon and act like everyone is their biggest fan!". Don't be a dick, man....just don't. Let people grieve the loss that is real to them. And hopefully, they will do the same for you when you find yourself inconsolable when YOUR favorite celebrity dies.