It's not how long you live, but what you do in that time. Both what you get out of it for yourself, and how your life affects others.<p>Some people die in their 20s, but achieved more in that short life than others who live to be 100 (although I'll avoid to judge on how important any achievements are).<p>Also: the article mentions exercise, and comes up with a modest 'ROI'. But it fails to mention that exercise may not only increase lifespan, but also improve health / general well-being <i>during the years it's done</i>. So the return in extra life may be modest, but the life-while-exercising tend to be fitter / healthier / happier years.<p>And of course exercise carries some risk itself - especially if overdone. Risk vs. reward, with risks <i>very</i> dependent on type of exercise.
I rhink it probably matters at what stage one is. In my twenties I indulges in behaviors which have been shown to have off several years off life and laughed at the old fogies. Now I'm the old fogie and worry about every little symptom.