[daemin]

I can't remember from what article this was, might have even been from a book, but I read that in the chinese (probably) community there was an important festival for which the oldest woman of the family played an important role. The researchers found that for some weeks before the festival the death rate was significantly decreased, and for the same period after it was significantly increased. Meaning that people hang on for important events.

With respect to this the good news is that Steve Jobs is still the Chairman of Apple, and thus would still have significant input if he so chooses.