Educational Attainment Significantly Impacts Life Expectancy and Quality of Life in Australia
New Australian research reveals that higher educational attainment leads to longer life expectancy and better quality of life, highlighting the importance of addressing socioeconomic inequalities in health.
Recent research highlights a profound link between educational background and health outcomes in Australia. The study, conducted by Monash University and published in PharmacoEconomics, reveals that individuals with higher levels of education tend to live longer and enjoy better quality of life. Specifically, Australian males aged 25 with a university degree or higher can expect approximately 7.3 years more of life expectancy than those with only up to year 11 education. Similarly, females with a high education level live about 3.9 years longer than their less-educated counterparts.
The research also emphasizes the importance of quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE), a measure that considers both quantity and quality of remaining years. Australians aged 25 with higher education attainments not only live longer but also experience more years in good health—at age 25, males with high education have an estimated 11.1 more years of QALE compared to those with lower education, while females experience about 7.6 additional years. These disparities underscore the critical influence of education on health prospects.
The study draws on data from the Household, Labor and Income in Australia (HILDA) Survey and national mortality records, focusing on individuals aged 25 and above. Led by Professor Zanfina Ademi and Sheridan Rodda, the team highlights that socioeconomic inequalities in health significantly impact both mortality rates and health-related quality of life.
Professor Ademi emphasizes that policies aiming to reduce health disparities should prioritize understanding individual-level factors like education, rather than solely area-based assessments. The findings serve as a vital resource for guiding equitable health resource allocation and develop interventions that address socioeconomic health gaps. This research marks a step toward more precise and personalized approaches to health policy, emphasizing the need for education-inclusive health strategies for better population outcomes.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-06-status-life-quality-australia.html
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