Life expectancy and alcohol

Sir, – Peter Shaughnessy asks, "So what if I don't live to 100 and die at 99?" (Letters, May 21st).

Can we ask him that question again on the eve of his 99th birthday? – Yours, etc,

PAVEL MARIANSKI,

Dungarvan,

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Co Waterford.

Sir, – A contributor to your letters page was indifferent to the OECD report that "Life expectancy to drop by a year due to alcohol consumption" (News, May 20th).

Many years ago, before OECD reports, a diligent doctor hoped to influence a patient to abandon alcohol altogether by advising him that non-drinkers lived 10 years longer.

Far from being impressed, the imbiber responded, “Serves them right.” – Yours, etc,

JIM O’CONNELL,

Ashtown,

Dublin 7.