Education not only shapes minds but also saves lives. According to a groundbreaking study published in The Lancet Public Health, every additional year of schooling significantly lowers the risk of death. This holds true irrespective of age, gender, location, or socioeconomic background.
KEY FINDINGS: THE LINK BETWEEN EDUCATION AND MORTALITY
1. Every Year of Education Matters
Researchers discovered that the risk of death decreases by 2% for each additional year of schooling.
- Six years of primary education: 13% lower mortality risk.
- Graduating secondary school: 25% lower mortality risk.
- Eighteen years of education: 34% reduction in mortality risk.
This data underscores the profound impact study has on health and longevity.
2. Education vs. Other Lifestyle Factors
The study compared education’s effects on mortality to lifestyle choices like diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
- Eighteen years of study provides benefits akin to eating the ideal amount of vegetables.
- No schooling is as harmful as smoking ten cigarettes daily for 10 years. It is also as harmful as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks per day.
BENEFITS ACROSS DEMOGRAPHICS
1. Young and Old Alike Benefit
Younger individuals experience the most pronounced benefits. Yet, the protective effects of education extend to older adults. This includes those over 70.
2. Universal Impact Across Nations
The effects are consistent across countries, whether rich or poor. This suggests that increased access to education benefits everyone, regardless of a nation’s development stage.
THE STUDY IN NUMBERS
- Scope: Data from 59 countries.
- Sources: Over 600 published articles, encompassing 10,000+ data points.
- Gaps: Most data originated from high-income settings. This highlights a need for further research in low- and middle-income countries. There is a particular need in sub-Saharan and North Africa.
THE CASE FOR GLOBAL EDUCATIONAL INVESTMENT
1. A Preventive Health Tool
Education acts as a preventive health measure, similar to maintaining a healthy diet or avoiding harmful habits like smoking. Prioritizing studies is crucial.
2. Bridging the Research Gap
Investing in educational research in underrepresented regions can provide deeper insights into its life-saving potential worldwide. Education is key.