Education Leads to a Longer Life

Research has found a link between education and lifespans. Those who have more education typically have longer lives. This link has been consistently found in a number of countries, leading to questions of what it is about education that is so good for us.

For one thing, exercising your brain with new knowledge every day is considered to be very healthy. We all need to keep our minds working. Those who are less educated may have more difficulties planning for their future.

Of course, we also know that those with higher levels of education usually make more than people with less education, and money does carry benefits to those who have it. Those who have more money are better able to take care of themselves and to afford insurance to pay for needed healthcare.

Unfortunately, too many people cannot continue their education because they cannot afford it. This prevents families who have less money from doing all they should be able to do to improve their situations. But there are ways in which opportunities for education and training can reach more people.

In this week’s State of the Union speech, President Obama discussed a plan for providing free tuition for those attending community college. Obama mentioned that 40 percent of college students attend community college. Those who want to hold costs down will be glad to know that the president is not suggesting a totally free ride. Students will have to keep their grades up and graduate on time in order receive the free tuition. Within these limits, free community college will allow students a chance for higher education and training for a better career, which otherwise would be out of reach for many low-income and working parents.

It also increases students’ chances of being able to attend community college and then to transfer to a four-year institution after that. This less expensive path toward higher education can now be even more affordable.

But first, the Obama plan will have to pass a Republican House and Senate and be signed into law. Divided government insures that these hurdles must be met.

READERS, what do you think?

1.     What are your thoughts on President Obama’s free community college plan?

2.     Have you considered higher education and/or career training as the next step after high school?

3.     As things stand now, what would you have to do to be able to afford to continue your education and/or career training beyond high school?

References:

Flashman, R. (n.d. [2007, January 19]). If you want a longer life, then continue your education. [HSFPP Weekly Update # 179]. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www2.ca.uky.edu/hes/fcs/hsfp/updates/2007/update0179.htm.

Transcript: Obama’s State of the Union address 2015. (2015, January 20). Washington Post. Retrieved January 21, 2015, from http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/transcript-state-of-the-union-address-2015-remarks-as-prepared-for-delivery/2015/01/20/fd803c4c-a0ef-11e4-b146-577832eafcb4_story.html.