Infant mortality rates were and are a significant factor in life expectancy, but so are other factors. For example, compare the life expectancy of people in Ethiopia and Malawi:

Ethiopia:

Life expectancy at birth m/f (years): 55/58

Probability of dying under five (per 1 000 live births): 123

Malawi:

Life expectancy at birth m/f (years): 49/51

Probability of dying under five (per 1 000 live births): 120

Ethiopia has a slightly higher infant mortality rate, but also a higher life expectancy. In this particular case, one of the key factors is HIV:

Ethiopia, Adult HIV rate: ~2.25%

Malawi, Adult HIV rate: ~12.0%

(Figures from the World Health Organization.)

Related to Bill O'Rielly, I hate it when people say that doing something "lowers the risk of death". I am pretty sure my risk of death is 100%

That's my pet peeve too!!

Yeah, a lot of how modern life expectancy is higher than it was a couple hundred years ago is attributable to lower infant mortality and childhood disease.

You know, I hadn't really thought about that. Now I feel kind of dopey.

California-istas, your state's problems have been solved.

Phew! Now we can go back to worrying about fluoridated water.

I will continue raising my fist and complaining about too many damn people in general.

msbelle, I was having sympathy itches for you.

Hope things are going as well as possible.

California-istas, your state's problems have been solved.

Brilliant! Thank you, Captain Optimistic from Naivedonia.

shockingly enough, I have no itches.

I found her too cunning to be understood.

Gud, the East Coast has slaves and everything is Made in China, but in the New West Coast, that's not how we roll. Come on now.

I don't know much about the East and West Coast, I live in the Real America.