I don't think most people are prepared for the reality of a serious health issue and the cost associated with it. My income for two years was pretty much halved due to inability to work. I could have given up and just filed bankruptcy and went on welfare, but I was still young and still wanted things even though i was seriously ill. So I had to sell my truck, and get an economical car this resulted in much lower car payments, and paid off in two years even with the medical bills. I had that little piece of shit car as I referred to it for almost 15 years, even after I had recovered and my income recovered and I could afford a new one. it was a reminder of what could happen.
I think their is an advantage to almost dying in younger years, we understand the immortality concept a bit more than those that breezed through life with out a care. We know there is very little to fear in death, so we have develop very few regrets as we age, (or at least in my case I had very few regrets about life).
When a persons first real tragedy is in their mid 30's I don't think they have the coping skills to understand they are no longer immortal, that the prospect of death scares them almost to the point of death. Once they make it past that first scare though things do seem to improve on life's outlook.
Some things you just can not adequately prepare for, that is when you need to reassess and try to find solution you may not have thought about, or do not really want to do. (like selling your brand new cool truck at a loss to buy a piece of shit car that is more economical).
Perhaps this is why a lot of people get calmer with age - as they have likely faced death a little ore and realized, it is okay, may as well live while there is life.
I have seen people have their first breakup at 30, their marriage, and they responded like a jealous fifteen year old. As expected.
I think it is one of those character building exercises everyone should experience - forced into assessing the value of what they have valued.
At the end of days, you have had an interesting life that no other has lived.
!ENGAGE 20