Education boosts longevity: Researchers reveal that individuals with degrees live, on average, 11 years longer than those without formal education.
A new study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine has revealed unusual differences in average life expectancy (ALE) based on education levels among residents in the U.S. The researchers found that acquiring essential knowledge not only helps us secure better life opportunities and job offers but also influences how long we live, according to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.
The analysis, published in the journal The Lancet Public Health, demonstrated that education has a profound impact on life expectancy, with the gap between the most and least educated individuals significantly widening over the past two decades. In 2019, individuals with a college degree lived nearly 11 years longer than those without a high school diploma, compared to an eight-year gap in 2000.
The study showed varying increases in life expectancy depending on education level. The most significant gain was observed among college graduates, who increased their life expectancy by 2.5 years to an average of 84.2 years. Individuals with some college education saw an increase of 0.7 years, reaching an average of 82.1 years, while high school graduates added only 0.3 years, bringing their average to 77.3 years. For those without a high school diploma, life expectancy remained unchanged at 73.5 years.
The senior author of the study and IHME associate professor, Laura Dwyer-Lindgren, explained that in the U.S., more formal education often leads to better employment opportunities, including higher-paying jobs associated with lower health risks. This enables individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle and access quality healthcare when needed.
The life expectancy of individuals without a high school diploma varied from 57.9 years in some counties to 90.1 years in others, representing a significant gap of 32.2 years. In comparison, college graduates had a range of only 18.7 years, from 75.2 to 93.9 years across different counties. Particularly sharp differences were observed in the Southeastern counties, Appalachia, and parts of South Dakota, where the average life expectancy was noticeably lower among less educated populations. Conversely, in California, the life expectancy for those without a high school diploma significantly increased, likely influenced by the large number of immigrants in the state, who typically live longer than U.S. natives.
If college graduates in the U.S. were considered a separate nation, their life expectancy of 84.2 years would rank fourth among 199 countries worldwide. Meanwhile, those with a high school diploma would drop to 137th place.
The research also showed that women consistently outlive men at all education levels, although the gap in life expectancy between the least and most educated men has increased more significantly over the past two decades. For instance, in 2019, women without a high school diploma lived on average nearly 72 years, compared to 68 years for men.
IHME researchers conducted an initial analysis of educational disparities in life expectancy across 3,110 counties in the U.S. for both genders, examining four education levels over a 20-year period. The findings underscore the critical role of education in our overall long-term health, indicating that this investment contributes not only to the development of our knowledge and skills but also to the foundation of good well-being.
This material is for informational purposes only and does not contain advice that may affect your health. If you are experiencing issues, please consult a specialist.