There is a secret to a long lifespan, but it might be hidden within the pages of a book.
No, the answer lies not in a mystical text, but in continuous learning. There is mounting research that those who enrolled in educational courses or study a subject well after they collected their diploma are more likely to have a long and happy life.
For most people, studying is only a jump-off point to get a good career that pays well. The process of learning, however, ends as soon as they leave school. Some go back to school in the hopes of climbing the corporate ladder.
The Career Benefits Learning Translates to Health
Enrolling in a program to master a new trade can make a person more well-rounded and improve their prospects of employment. A SkillsFuture Certification is awarded to adults in Singapore who pursued training in a particular industry.
Education is a powerful weapon when a person enters the workforce. It gives them an advantage over fellow applicants and is more likely to receive a call for an interview or an offer of employment. It also opens a lot more career opportunities.
Most importantly, it leads to better pay.
One study found that those who have a college degree earn more on average compared to those who only finished high school. The difference was significant; people with a bachelor’s diploma earn 40% more per week than high school graduates.
Better pay means having access to adequate healthcare and nutritious food. They also have the time to workout and can invest a portion of their salary toward getting a gym membership or buying equipment needed for regular physical activity.
Less Stress Equals Decreased Risk of Illness
Lifelong learning does not have to involve going to school. Reading a book, whether fiction or nonfiction, can be considered an exercise of lifelong learning, too. There is a lot of new information and new perspectives to be reaped from reading a book. It will constantly challenge the brain as well as soothe the nerves.
Everyone experiences stress but it can be a hazard to health if it turns chronic. Stress raises blood pressure, makes the heart beat more rapidly, leads to muscle contraction, etc. Eventually, it can increase a person’s risk of experiencing a heart attack.
However, reading can prevent all illnesses associated with stress. Studies have shown that reading, even for a few minutes a day, can lower a person’s heart rate and relax the muscle to remove tension.
Just six minutes of reading reduces stress by up to 60%. It does not matter whether one is reading a novel, a memoir, or poetry; sitting down with the written word can instantly make stress disappear. For comparison, it is 100% more relaxing than drinking tea and 300% more effective than going for a walk to unwind.
It does not matter what the person is reading. Novels, memoirs, poetry, or essays will have the same effect. The process of sitting down and focusing on the reading material is a great way to alleviate stress and all the physical symptoms that come with it.
Lifelong Learning and Long Life
Learning has positive effects on one’s physical health, but the benefits do not end there. Although scientists still do not understand the link, there is evidence that lifelong learning and longevity go hand in hand.
One study published in 2006 suggests that undergoing a year of formal education can add half a year to a person’s life span.
In addition, learning can keep the mind sharp in adult age. A person who commits to the pursuit of learning throughout their life can live longer and be happy well into old age.
Learning has more benefits than just a higher salary and a more important position at work in the future. It can lead to personal growth and an overall healthier and more satisfying life. Adults should jump at every chance to become lifelong learners.
