The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) has published a new paper, Education and Longevity, which looks at the link between higher levels of education and a longer life expectancy.
“Numerous studies have shown a correlation between education level and life expectancy. Our statement not only explores this connection, but also demonstrates how higher educational achievements are associated with longer lifespans and better health outcomes across diverse demographics,” the CIA states in an announcement about the publication’s release.
“Previous studies said that wealth was the major driver (of a longer healthier life),” adds the CIA’s president, Steve Prince. “But recent studies say that education is now a bigger factor than wealth.”
In addition to an analysis of the correlation between wealth, education and longevity, the study also looks at global differences in education levels and their impact on longevity, as well.
Results consistent across numerous studies
The results across numerous studies from around the world are consistent, the CIA’s authors state. “The more education people have, the longer they live. And the higher their educational attainment, the longer they live in good health.”
According to the report, globally in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, standardized mortality rates for men with low education are 54 per cent higher than men with high education. Among women, mortality rates are 29 per cent higher for women with low education relative to their highly educated counterparts.
“Whether a country has a large population with a low level of education or a large population with a high education, the longevity differences remain – higher education leads to longer life expectancy,” the report states.
Longevity gap widening in Canada
In Canada specifically, they say the longevity gap between low and high education groups is widening.
From 1996 to 2011 the difference in life expectancy at age 25 for those with higher education grew from 6.4 years to 7.8 years for men and from 4.8 years to 6.7 years for women.
“In Canada, people with low income and high education have a longer life expectancy than those with high income and low education,” they add.
