ET is not supposed to reduce life expectancy, but it MAY reduce quality of life, either because of symptoms like fatigue, headaches, med side effects, etc., or because of clots.

Dad had ET and lived to be 82. He died of COPD. But the ET added to the fatigue burden, enlarged spleen caused discomfort and more breathing difficulties, and he had circulatory problems and leg clots.

So when I was diagnosed with ET, I didn't worry much about longevity as much as quality of life.

Not speaking for all old people here, but as I age, I worry a lot less about the Grim Reaper. The average lifespan in my state (it varies a lot) is about 76. I'll try to be grateful for every day I get that's happy and relatively pain- and worry-free.

When I was 76 , I asked my doctor what to expect about dying from ET. He chuckled and said, "Don't worry, something else will kill you before ET! "

My hem/oncologist said you live a normal lifespan with regulated platelet count.
I see people in town Not wearing a mask - not me.
Just be vigilant with your health - mask, wash hands, follow doctor’s orders.
The first month after diagnosis I was a wreck - then you settle into a routine.