Young men may die, old men must.

Death can come at any age. Youth offers no guarantee of survival, while even a long life must eventually end.

The proverb contrasts an uncertain risk with an unavoidable outcome, encouraging a sober view of mortality without treating youth as protection from it.

Use it when reflecting on mortality or contrasting the risks faced by younger people with the certainty that life ends. Its blunt wording may be hurtful if directed at someone who is grieving.