Florida TaxWatch released a commentary titled "Social Determinants of Health: Education Access and Quality," the second installment in a five-part series examining social determinants of health. These are environmental conditions, such as age and economic background, that affect individual health. The focus of this commentary is on the link between education access and quality and overall health and well-being.
Florida TaxWatch President and CEO Dominic M. Calabro stated, “The major takeaway from this commentary is that education and health are intrinsically and positively linked, with investments in education equating to investments in health, and producing broad economic returns. Early and impactful investments in education have the potential to positively influence the educational trajectories of students, particularly students from low-income families.”
Research shows that individuals with higher levels of education tend to live longer. A meta-analysis covering over 600 studies across more than 50 countries indicates that an adult with 12 years of education has a 24.5 percent lower risk of mortality compared to an adult without schooling. Each additional year of schooling reduces the risk of mortality by 1.9 percent.
Health outcomes also correlate strongly with educational attainment. Less-educated adults typically report poorer overall health, more chronic conditions, functional limitations, and disabilities compared to their better-educated counterparts. They are also more likely to smoke, less likely to exercise regularly, and more prone to unhealthy diets.
Socioeconomic status further influences health risks. Studies suggest Americans at all income levels experience worse health outcomes compared to those with higher incomes than their own. Low-income adults frequently report fair or poor health and activity limitations due to chronic illnesses.
Education plays a role in controlling healthcare costs while generating broader economic benefits. Approximately 80 percent of Medicaid spending nationwide is for individuals with chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes—conditions more prevalent among less-educated populations. A study from 2011 estimated that aligning the health status of less educated persons with their college-educated peers could save over $1 trillion through related improvements in health.
Early access to quality education can lead to better adult health outcomes. Research indicates children from low-income families who attend high-quality early learning programs benefit into adulthood through higher educational achievements, earnings, reduced smoking rates, lower risks for heart disease and diabetes among other improvements.
For additional information on this topic or access the full commentary including previous pieces in the series such as "Social Determinants of Health: Health Care Access and Quality," visit Florida TaxWatch's website.
About Florida TaxWatch:
Florida TaxWatch (FTW) is an independent nonprofit government watchdog focused on improving productivity within Florida’s government since 1979 through research supported by voluntary donations from its members.