Missing school can be just as bad for your overall health as smoking or drinking alcohol, a new study has found. The study, published Tuesday in The Lancet Public Health, found that more years of schooling can lead to better employment prospects, higher incomes, and, as a result, better access to health care. He emphasized how it can be improved. The study was led by the Center for Global Health Inequalities Research at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. (Also read | Addressing health, lifestyle variables may minimize risk of early-onset dementia: study)
The more years you study at an educational institution, the more likely you are to live longer than those who spend less time at school or university.
Research shows that people who completed six years of primary school had about a 13 percent lower risk of death compared to those with no schooling, so it's better than no education.
Research shows that studying up to secondary school reduces your risk of death by 25 percent. Meanwhile, 18 years of education lowered the risk by 34 percent.
The researchers said that 18 years of education is similar to eating the ideal amount of vegetables every day, as opposed to not eating any vegetables at all.
Benefits of education for long-term health and longevity
Dr. Gorav Gupta, Founder and Director, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Tulasi Healthcare, shares the benefits of education for long-term health and longevity.
- Education provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand health information, make informed decisions about their lifestyle, and navigate the health care system.
- Health literacy is important for adopting healthy behaviors, managing chronic diseases, and preventing illness.
- People with higher levels of education are more likely to take preventive health care measures, such as regular health checkups, vaccinations, and checkups. These practices contribute to early detection and treatment of disease, reducing the risk of complications and improving overall health.
- Education leads to better lifestyle choices, including nutrition, physical activity, and stress management. People with higher levels of education are more likely to engage in healthy behaviors and have a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity.
- Education leads to better compliance with medical advice and treatment plans. Understanding the importance of prescribed medications, lifestyle modifications, and follow-up appointments contributes to better management of chronic diseases.
