New Publication Highlights Connection Between Education and Life Expectancy

Publication:  Preventative Medicine Reports 2019

Article:  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211335519301512?via%3Dihub

A recent study has focused on the link between education and life expectancy.  In public health, it is well documented that factors such as income, race, social environments, and education impact the health of individuals.  This research provides more specific evidence to show how the social factors do impact health outcomes, including life expectancy.  The study implies that education’s greatest impact on life expectancy are related to preventable causes of death, such as tobacco-related causes.  Part of the effect that education has on health relates to the choice of a healthy environment, getting ahold of preventive and other health care services, and the choice of healthy behaviors.  All of these are more likely in more educated and higher income individuals.  This research speaks to the importance of access to quality education during early childhood and throughout the early life course and public health education related to prevention efforts in our communities.