Ask HN: Do the elderly overestimate the probability of a nuclear apocalypse?

Elderly often have kids and grandkids, and value them more than almost anything else. I'd imagine they'd be terribly upset with a world in which their family can't survive easily or at all.

Who can say for sure if the probability is over- or under-estimated? Nuclear war has only happened once.

Do you mean over or under estimate?

Personally I think we as a society underestimate it right now. Russia and NK/China are both active nuclear players are trying to get into conflicts with...

I agree with theandrewbailey that elderly generally speaking would likely be concerned for their kids and grand-kids.

In my opinion an alternate question might be, "What is the risk of nuclear power leaders being elderly?" as elderly tend to come to grips with mortality and world leaders may have some narcissistic and sociopathic qualities. Might that add some risk to their decision making around nuclear war?