Shorter lifespan than expected

My first gerbil passed at 2 years and 8 months, which I found surprisingly short. After researching I found 2–4 years is average for gerbils, though some reach 5. It's shorter than I'd hoped for the level of attachment I'd developed. The second gerbil died from loneliness shortly after (always get three so one never ends up alone when bonded pairs die). The animals themselves are wonderful — just be prepared for a shorter relationship than with guinea pigs or chinchillas.