[Jay Olshansky] There are essentially two Americas: one subgroup of the population that
is highly educated, experiencing an increase in life expectancy that is more rapid than
the average, and another subgroup of the population that is less educated, doing very poorly,
and for some subgroups, actually experiencing a drop in life expectancy.
[Narrator] Research conducted by noted longevity expert Jay Olshansky finds that more education
equals longer life.
[Olshansky] Overall in the last couple of decades, all longevity boats have risen. Almost
all longevity boats have risen - there have been some subgroups of the population that
have experienced a drop in life expectancy.
[Narrator] The researchers looked at life expectancy by race, sex and education, which
is often associated with socioeconomic status, income and access to health care.
[Olshansky] We found that the most highly educated white men live about 14 years longer
than the least educated black men in the United States. For women, the least educated black
women live about 10 years less than the most educated white women. Now, you have to realize
the magnitude of this differential. A one-year difference in life expectancy is huge. A 10-
or a 14-year difference in life expectancy is simply beyond belief.
[Narrator] The MacArthur Foundation Research Network on an Aging Society funded the research,
which is published in the journal "Health Affairs."
[Olshansky] What we have concluded with our MacArthur research is that are essentially
two Americas now: one subgroup of the population that is highly educated, doing extremely well,
and they're experiencing an increase in life expectancy that is more rapid than the average;
and another subgroup of the population that is less educated, doing very poorly, and for
some subgroups actually experiencing a drop in life expectancy.
[Narrator] Despite advances in health care and overall increases in longevity, Americans
with less than a high school education in 2008 had life expectancies similar to adults
in the 1950s and 60s. It's as if Americans with the least education are living in a time
warp.
[Olshansky] It's remarkable, that subgroups of the population are essentially a half a
century behind the rest of us.
[Narrator] The least educated black men are living in 1954; the least educated black women
in 1962. The least educated white women are living in 1964, and the least educated white
men in 1972.
[Olshansky] We think that another longevity revolution is about to happen, and when this
longevity revolution happens, and we think it will be relatively soon, some people are
going to be left behind. Perhaps one of the most important ways in which we can address
these large disparities is through lifelong education.
During a time in which we're extremely excited and optimistic about where biomedical technology
is taking us, we want to make sure that all boats rise, that all subgroups of the population
experience the benefits of this next longevity revolution.
[Narrator] This is Sherri McGinnis Gonzalez reporting for UIC News.
