A new study in the journal Brain, Behavior & Immunity found that less educated persons age faster than other groups. The study was reported on at BBC Health.
This study continues the well-established area of research addressing social inequalities and health. However, it also sheds light on just which areas greatly affects health outcomes. The findings suggest that low education attainment may indicate long-term social economic status and a shortened lifespan.
“Education may also promote problem-solving skills leading to reduced biological stress responsivity, with favorable consequences for biological aging.”
The research, conducted by University College Professor Andrew Steptoe, included 448 men and women between the ages of 53 and 75, was collected from the Whitehall II epidemiological cohort, and included demographic, socioeconomic and biomedical markers. No mention was made of how/if race or ethnicity, combined with low education attainment, have an impact on aging.
How can the findings of this research be applied to the Caribbean region? What types of interventions could be designed to address these structural issues? What role does communication play in the design of these interventions? And in addressing these issues?
Caribbean Health Communication Blog 