‘Why are the higher educated healthier?’

There is a large correlation between education and health. But the mechanisms trough which education influences health are largely unknown. In this essay the influences of time preference and risk attitude, as mechanisms of education on health, are measured. Education may impact individual characteristics that affect health investments and ultimately health. It could lower discount rates and stimulate risk aversion. In this paper use is made of data of the Dutch DNB Household Survey. The research question is: ‘Is it possible that education changes the risk attitude and time preference of individuals, and therefore makes the higher educated healthier?’ The results show that more intelligent individuals have a lower time preference rate, but it is uncertain if this is caused by education, other factors or is intrinsic. The results stated the less educated aren’t more likely to engage in riskier behaviours.