Lose a 5 year old to the flu (for example) and society has <b>LOST 95 years </b>of life expectancy. Not to mention the emotional grief for everyone, not just relatives and friends.
A devastating loss.
If an 80 year old that made it that far thanks to the US medical system succumbs to anything, society <b>GAINED 8 years</b> of life expectancy (80 minus 72). A win! And most everyone says he/she led a good life, maybe a great life. Had a chance to marry, attend college, see their kids graduate from college.
Public Health, Bio Ethics 101
How many children would have been saved from flu viruses with a mask mandate over the past 50 years?