I just read about studies showing that education level is a strong predictor of longevity. This means that as an educator I am in the life-extension business!

How does education help keep a person alive? Education helps individuals (a) learn to cope with stressors, (b) learn how to reduce stressors by solving problems and interacting appropriately with others, (c) obtain low-stress jobs, and (d) develop relationships with low-stress friends and romantic partners.

Higher education levels are also strongly associated with lowered chances of developing senile dementia, which causes death, along with many other problems.

The connection between education level and longevity is also partly due to third variables that lead to both high education and good health habits, like exercising and not smoking. These third variables include genetic predispositions toward conscientiousness and high intelligence.

One conclusion to draw from the education-longevity link is it does not make sense to think that further education takes years out of your limited lifespan. The studies suggest that each year of education predicts at least a year of extra life. Similarly, exercise is a good use of time because studies show that every hour of exercise predicts an extra hour of healthy life.

I want to live a long, healthy life. My high level of education has contributed to my chances in all the ways mentioned above. My life is relatively low in stressors, and I have learned many useful problem-solving and stress-management methods in my training and experience as a clinical psychologist.

Did going through higher levels of education lead to positive effects for you that might help you stay healthy over the long run?

John Malouff, PhD
Assoc Prof of Psychology