Educational mobility at older ages affects mortality

Educational mobility at older ages affects mortality

The recent study conducted by Swedish scientists approves that additional formal education at older age can reduce the risks of early mortality. The study examined the potential benefits of being engaged in additional formal education after the age of 40. The study was conducted among Swedish adults aged between 40 to 50 and revealed that women who increased their educational level in mid-life had a reduced risk of mortality. In men, mortality was reduced only for those who increased their education from a low level.

Other pathways from the study recognise the indirect effect of education through the differential access to valued positions leading to procurement of material resources (such as level of income and possession of property), social recognition, better working conditions and healthier lifestyle practices. These resources can create a status shield effect, which significantly reduces health decline and enables the adoption of strategies to improve health conditions, – the study affirms.

Read the full study here.