Senior Smarts: How Education Helps You Live Longer

Written by Kathryn Savage

When James Smith, a health economist at the RAND Corporation, decided to research the prevailing factors that determine longevity, he had the notion of cause and effect at the front of his mind. A skeptic of the age old wisdom of good diet and exercise, Dr. Smith may have uncovered a new truth to aging well, something that transcends class and diet.

What James Smith discovered is that education is a vital factor in the longevity equation. A New York Times report describing Dr. Smith’s findings explains: "A few extra years of school are associated with extra years of life and vastly improved health decades later, in old age."

Numerous studies support the notion that education, both in adolescence and continuing into old age, is a vital part of living a long, happy and healthy life.

One of the possible benefits of staying in school is that social networks are created. In addition, a sense of purpose can come from throwing yourself at an area that interests you, in which you have no formal knowledge or training.

How to Stay Smart?

Sing!
Sign up for a music or foreign language class. Music and language skills are especially vital for healthy aging and especially handy when you want to plan your next exotic getaway, or serenade your special someone.

Cook!
Take a cooking class and learn healthy recipes. Always wanted to know how to make sushi? Most gourmet grocers, co-ops, cooking schools and community education centers offer an array of affordable cooking classes. If they don’t, they can steer you in the direction of a place that does.

Explore!
Sign up for water-skiing lessons, guided hiking tours, surfing lessons, etc. Combining a physical activity with an educational activity is a great way to stay smart and stay fit.

For further reading on the positive effects of education on aging follow this link

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