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A recent study by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington’s School of Medicine revealed a significant disparity in life expectancy based on educational attainment in the United States.
Published in The Lancet Public Health, the research shows that as of 2019, U.S. college graduates live an average of 11 years longer than individuals who did not finish secondary school.
The study analyzed data from 3,110 U.S. counties, using death records from the U.S. National Vital Statistics System and population data from the census, American Community Survey, and the National Center for Health Statistics. It covered individuals aged 25 and older from 2000 to 2019, offering insights into life expectancy variations by education and geography.
Over a span of two decades, the life expectancy gap between the most and least educated Americans widened from eight to nearly 11 years. Specifically, college graduates saw an increase in their average lifespan by 2.5 years, reaching 84.2 years. In contrast, those without a high school diploma experienced no improvement, with their life expectancy remaining at 73.5 years.
Geographical disparities were also evident. Counties in the Southeast, parts of Appalachia, and South Dakota reported the lowest figures, some as low as 57.9 years. In contrast, counties in California showed significantly higher life expectancies, reaching up to 90.1 years—a difference of 32.2 years. For college graduates, the range was narrower, spanning from 75.2 to 93.9 years across counties, reflecting an 18.7-year gap.
"In the U.S., more formal education often translates to better employment opportunities, including higher-paying jobs that have fewer health risks," Associate Professor Laura Dwyer-Lindgren, the study’s senior author, said in a press release.
"This puts people in a better position to build a healthy life and, when needed, obtain high-quality health care."
The findings highlight the importance of addressing educational disparities as a means to improve public health and reduce longevity gaps.
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