there is no single average age of death for people with brain injuries, but a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury (like the one i experienced) reduces overall life expectancy by an average of about 9 years.

key survival and age statistics:

• older adults: people age 75 and older have the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related deaths
• overall risk: survivors of moderate-to-severe brain injuries are more than twice as likely to die at any given age compared to the general population.
• injury severity: the first six months after a severe injury carry the highest rist of mortality. people who recover without long-term disability often have a normal life expectancy.

common secondary causes of death:
brain injuries can cause long-term health risks that lead to early death:

• seizures: survivors are significantly more likely to experience fatal seizures.
• pneumonia: swallowing issues or breathing trouble raise the risk of lung infections.
• infections: the body can be more vulnerable to severe blood infections during recovery.
• accidental poisoning: impulsivity or medication mix-ups increase overdose risks.