Is Education the Prescription to Longevity?
By Hilton Hudson, CEO, HPC International, Inc.
A study published in January 2024 explored the surprising connection between education and lifespan—two factors we might not typically associate with each other. The correlation was startling. People who complete high school and college have as much protection against early death as eating the recommended daily amounts of vegetables, while those with little schooling see their mortality increase as much as those who drink five or more drinks a day, or smoke 10 cigarettes a day for 10 years.
When you get sick, you’re likely to visit a doctor for care. However, to minimize the need for such visits (except routine visits) and enhance your overall health, maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and proper self-care can be beneficial. Similarly, we should view education as a form of preventative healthcare: it can contribute to a longer and healthier life, and it’s something we can actively influence.
While we may not control our birthplace, socioeconomic background, or skin color, technological advancements have made education more accessible. Recognizing the importance of investing in quality education and prioritizing health can significantly influence one’s longevity and overall well-being.
How did we get here? Online learning gained prominence in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of schools around the globe. Even after the pandemic subsided, online learning continued to thrive, offering flexible and accessible educational opportunities for anyone with an internet connection. This mode of learning not only supports diverse educational needs but also bridges gaps for those who might face barriers to traditional classroom settings. Its ongoing evolution highlights its growing importance in providing lifelong learning and personal development opportunities.
There are a myriad of online learning courses and programs available. Below are just a few examples:
- Introduction to Computer Science
Institution: Harvard University
Description: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to computer science. Topics include algorithms, data structures, software engineering, and web development. Ideal for beginners, it covers programming basics in languages such as C, Python, and SQL. - Precalculus
Institution: Khan Academy
Description: Khan Academy offers a robust precalculus course that covers functions, complex numbers, and trigonometry. It’s an excellent resource for high school students preparing for calculus. - Introductory Human Physiology
Institution: Duke University
Description: This course teaches the basic concepts that govern integrated body functions as an intact organism in nine of the body’s organ systems, and teaches students how to recognize how the basic organ systems of the body work. - Introduction to Chemistry: Reactions and Ratios
Institution: Duke University
Description: This course provides an introduction to chemistry with a focus on chemical reactions, stoichiometry, and the principles behind chemical processes. - Principles of Microeconomics
Institution: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Description: This course introduces key concepts in microeconomics, including supply and demand, market structures, and consumer behavior. - Course: Introduction to Marketing
Institution: University of Pennsylvania
Description: This course introduces fundamental marketing principles, including market research, branding, and digital marketing strategies.
For visual learners, YouTube offers a wealth of free instructional courses on everything from coding to IT support to English verb tenses. Nvidia has free online classes that offer practical lessons around artificial intelligence. Truly, there’s a world of free education at our fingertips.
The takeaway is this: education is not just a pathway to personal and professional growth but also a vital factor in enhancing longevity and overall health. As we navigate a world where online learning has become a cornerstone of accessible education, we have unprecedented opportunities to invest in our knowledge and well-being. So, whether you are a student or a professional, a lifelong commitment to learning can empower you to lead a healthier, longer life.