If you're 25, sure, but 80? When the choice is between spending down a lifetime's accumulation of resources, or handing said resources off to the next generation? I think evolution would have favored the latter.
Most retirees don't have much in the way of savings anyway, and their adult children tend to earn their own way through life. It's not necessary to "pass on your lands" as is done less industrialized countries. (Warren Buffet intends to give almost none of his wealth to his children).
The question could also be rephrased as would you move from your 2000 dollar mortgage home to a 1000 dollar rent apartment if it meant you live 5 or 10 more healthy years, much of consumer spending is on housing.
Some would rather pass it on to their children, you know.
Besides, why should we be so scared of death?