When examining human epidemiological data, it is easier to find correlations than to establish causation. A complex web of correlations exists between socioeconomic status, education, intelligence, and life expectancy, with environmental factors also playing a role. Despite the small effect size, the correlation between education and life expectancy is robust in large data sets, sparking ongoing discussions about the reasons behind this link.
Researchers recently utilized the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock to analyze genomic data from the Framingham Heart Study, finding that each additional two years of schooling resulted in a 2-3% slower pace of aging. This deceleration in aging was associated with a 10% reduction in mortality risk, as indicated by previous research on the DunedinPACE’s relation to death risk.
By examining data from 14,106 participants across three generations in the Framingham Heart Study, researchers linked children’s educational achievements with those of their parents. Using blood samples from a subset of participants, they calculated biological aging pace with the DunedinPACE clock. Educational mobility and differences in educational attainment between siblings were studied to isolate the effects of education on aging. It was found that upward educational mobility was linked to both a slower pace of aging and reduced risk of death, explaining a significant portion of the mortality gradient observed with higher education.
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