Right from the start of first grade, you are told that it is important to go to school. But how important it actually is may surprise you. For now, 30 researchers have tried over four years to find out what effect education has on our health. And the results are no less than sensational, say those behind them. – We see that a length of education of 12 years reduces the risk of death by 24 per cent. The first year is just as important as the last. And the protective effect is also seen after people have passed the age of 70. It is a very interesting finding. This is what Terje Andreas Eikemo, professor of sociology at NTNU, tells news. The researchers have found that low education can be as big a risk to our health as smoking and alcohol. The new study has been published in the renowned journal The Lancet. – Makes sense At NTNU Dragvoll, a bunch of young people are busy studying. They are studying European studies, and say the goal is a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. No one is particularly surprised that education can ensure that you live longer. – There are probably many factors to that, perhaps that you earn more money and therefore have a better lifestyle, says Eskil Solberg. – I think that makes sense. You do something you are passionate about, and then you become happier. I really enjoy being a student, says Isabella Ramsfjell. – Do you want to take an even longer education when you hear this? – No, a master’s is enough for me, says Solberg. Isabella Ramsfjell is a student at NTNU. The first goal is to complete a bachelor’s degree. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news Perhaps the largest in the world The survey covered 59 countries, and included over 10,000 data points extracted from a total of 603 published articles. – We believe this is a scientific world record. It is probably the most comprehensive meta-study ever published, says Eikemo. – No other study has been able to identify the significance that each year of education has for the risk of death on a global level. Photo: Jøte Toftaker / news For the researchers also found that social status has nothing to do with how effective the education is in reducing the risk of death. People in lower social strata have the same effect as people in higher social strata. And this applies to the whole world, no matter where you live. Here are the most important findings from the new study: Length of education and life expectancy The first six years of education, which roughly corresponds to primary school, alone reduce the risk of death in a given year for adults by as much as 13 percent. After 12 years of education, the risk of death in a given year is reduced by 24 per cent. 18 years of education reduces the risk of death by 36.6 per cent. In addition, the researchers found that: The effect of 18 years of education is roughly the same as the effect of eating enough vegetables versus not eating vegetables at all. It is also similar to the risk of someone who smokes five packs a day getting lung cancer compared to a non-smoker. The effect is also equivalent to the risk of heavy drinking versus only occasional drinking. Source: NTNU More important than ever Geir Røsvoll is the leader of the Education Association. He believes the new study is interesting, and that education has never been more important. – It is important for you personally, also for your health and life. It is also incredibly important when countries and democracies are to be built and maintained. There is perhaps a dimension of education that we quickly forget in this country where everyone has the right to it. Furthermore, Røsvoll says that there is much that is good in Norwegian education, but that we still have a number of challenges. Among other things, the fact that some young people do not complete and pass upper secondary school, and thus run the risk of not getting into working life. – It is a problem that we must never let go of. At the same time, schools and education cannot fix all problems and the goal is not for the entire population to obtain a doctorate. The manager says that the Education Association has tried to influence the Norwegian authorities to use more of the aid funds for education. – And we emphasize the need for well-educated teachers and good teacher training, he says. Geir Røsvoll is a teacher and union representative and has always been involved in education. He is concerned that it should be free and include everyone. Photo: Torstein Brechan – Hope the authorities understand Professor Terje Eikemo says the explanations for why longevity and education are linked can vary. But what they do know is that education protects against disease, it leads to a better lifestyle and better access to healthcare. He also mentions the possibility of getting good jobs which in turn provide a good income. – But the core is education, and it has a strong protective effect. And it is quite startling, he says. Now the professor hopes that the authorities understand how important this is, and that more people should be given the opportunity to get an education. – I hope people can understand the value of education. It is about the aid we give to other countries, and that it can be used more in the field of education.
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The risk of death is reduced by as much as 2 percent for each and every year of additional education – news Trøndelag – Local news, TV and radio
