A new book claims that life expectancy is linked to education:
the longer you spend learning, the longer life you will have. Sir Michael Marmot, professor of epidemiology and public
health at University College London, has challenged conventional
thinking that genes and lifestyle choices such as smoking are the
key factors in life expectancy, and argues in a new book that the
key factor is actually social standing. Critically, he has collected data showing that people with
PhDs live longer than those with masters degrees. Those with a
masters live longer than those with an undergraduate degree,
while those with an undergraduate degree live longer than those
who left school early. Sir Michael calls it “Status Syndrome” and explains
that “the evidence is overwhelming. It suggests that higher
society position creates good health.” The social hierarchy
he talks of could be as simple as the various levels of education
within a university. Alternativley, they may be as complex as the
relative importance of individuals within the Civil Service. Sir Michael argues that an individual’s position in that
hierarchy is influenced by two things: how much control we have
over our lives and what role we play in society. “Do
individuals feel in control and have opportunities for full
social engagement?” he asks. He claims that income is relatively unimportant as long as an
individual is near the top of their social hierarchy, hence
impoverished academics can still live long into old age.
“More money does not buy better health, it is only important
as a marker. Income per se is not important.” Sir Michael has been part of an independent government inquiry
since 1997 which has explored health inequalities. He believes that, by giving people more control over their
lives and by ensuring that they play a full part in society,
health can be boosted and lifespan extended.ARCHIVE: 6th week TT 2004
University of Life
