In the book anthem, using the text to back up your points theorize reasons for why life expectancy in this society is short

The real purpose of this present society's presence is for all men to work for the advantage of all humanity. Work-this doesn't intend to play or to unwind. Each moment of a man's life in the general public in which Equality is conceived is arranged out from the day s/he is destined to the day s/he kicks the bucket. The main time a man is permitted to rest is after the age of 40. The general population are headed to work out of a unified want to be valuable to the general public. As observed all through the story, however, they additionally work out of dread of what may happen in the event that they don't comply with the principles to work and to fit in with society's requests and prerequisites. When a man is 40, Equality clarifies that "at forty, they are exhausted. At forty, they are sent to the Home of the Useless, where the Old Ones live.

What i think is that it adds loudness for preachers/church choirs. it is also able to hold up a lot of weight without pillars. : )) idek tho