Effects of Education on Aging Process and Longevity: New Study Findings

A recent study suggests that individuals with higher levels of education may age at a slower pace and have increased chances of living longer compared to those with lower levels of education. The groundbreaking research, published in the JAMA Network Open journal, reveals a potential link between education and the rate of ageing. Senior researcher Daniel Belsky from Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York City noted the well-known correlation between higher education and longer lifespans.

However, this study aimed to investigate the mechanisms behind this relationship and whether promoting educational attainment could contribute to healthier ageing. According to the study, every two additional years of schooling was associated with a 2-3% slower pace of ageing. Overall, individuals with higher education had a 10% lower risk of death compared to those with average education levels.

The researchers utilized data from the Framingham Heart Study, a long-term project monitoring the health of residents in Framingham, Massachusetts since 1948. By analyzing genetic information and using a genetic "clock" test as a measure of ageing, the study was able to assess the effects of education on the rate of biological ageing. Lead researcher Gloria Graf emphasized the importance of controlling for differences within families to isolate the effects of education on ageing.

The study findings suggest that interventions to promote educational attainment may have a positive impact on slowing the pace of ageing and promoting longevity. Overall, this study sheds light on the potential benefits of higher education in influencing the ageing process and longevity.