Did you know that your years spent in the classroom could quietly shape not just your career, but also how long—and how well—you live?
A new Australian study has uncovered some eye-opening links between education and life expectancy and quality of life, and the results are more dramatic than you might expect.
According to a recent Monash University’s Centre for Medicine Use and Safety study, Australian men aged 25 with a university degree can expect to live 7.3 years longer than their peers who left school after Year 11 or earlier.
The gap is still significant for women—on average, those with higher education live 3.9 years longer than those with less schooling.
But it’s not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake. The study also examined Quality-Adjusted Life Expectancy (QALE). This measure counts not only the years you live, but also considers how healthy those years are.
For example, if you live with a chronic illness, your QALE is lower than someone in perfect health, even if you both live to the same age.
The research team, which included experts from Monash University and the Australian National University, examined data from the Household, Labour, and Income in Australia survey and national mortality records.
Their findings were stark:
- At age 25, men with a university degree can expect 11.1 more years of healthy life (QALE) than those with the least education.
- For women, the difference is 7.6 years of healthy life—a 26 per cent relative difference in QALE between the highest and lowest education groups.
So, what’s with education leading to such significant health and longevity differences? The answer is complex, but researchers point to several factors:
- Better jobs and income: Higher education often leads to better-paying, less physically demanding jobs and more job security.
- Healthier lifestyles: People with more education are more likely to make healthier choices, such as not smoking, exercising regularly, and eating well.
- Access to healthcare: Those with higher education are often better equipped to navigate the healthcare system and advocate for their health needs.
- Social connections: Education can also lead to stronger social networks, which lead to better mental and physical health.
A call for action on health inequality
Professor Zanfina Ademi, the study’s senior author, said these findings highlight the need for policies that address health inequalities at the individual level, not just based on where people live, but also on their circumstances, like education.
‘Monitoring inequalities related to educational attainment is essential to inform policy for health equity,’ she said.
Author Sheridan Rodda added that these insights can help guide how resources are allocated in healthcare, ensuring that efforts to close the health gap are targeted where they’re needed most.
While the study doesn’t offer quick fixes, improving access to education could be a powerful way to boost the length and quality of Australians’ lives.
This could mean more support for adult education, better funding for schools in disadvantaged areas, or programs that help older Australians return to study or upskill.
It also highlights the importance of health education, ensuring everyone has the information and support they need to make healthy choices regardless of their schooling.
While we can’t turn back the clock on our school days, investing in our health and well-being is never too late. Staying mentally active, learning new skills, and staying socially connected can all help improve our quality of life, regardless of age or education level.
And if you’re helping to guide the younger generation, this research is a powerful reminder of the lifelong benefits of education.
Do you think Australia is doing enough to close the health gap? And what advice would you give younger Australians about the value of education, not just for their careers, but for their health?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation started!
Also read: Pursuing passion later in life: Two stories of music and education
