Children Born in Literacy-Challenged Communities Have Lower Life Expectancies

A 2015 study by the World Health Organisation (WHO) found that children born in literacy-challenged communities have shorter life expectancies than those born in wealthier households. Low income is directly associated with literacy. So, children born in literacy-challenged communities are most likely born to low-income families. 

The Office for National Statistics, in their 2017 report found that male and female life expectancy at birth was 79.5 years and 83.1 years, respectively, between 2014 and 2016. Inequality factors that affect the life expectancy of children born to low-income families include mental and physical health, economic wellbeing, and family life. Other factors such as socioeconomic well-being also play a role in determining a person’s life expectancy. In the UK, socioeconomic factors are strongly correlated with educational success and literacy.

Over 20% of children growing up in low-income households and between 5% and 8% of all children in the UK have early language challenges (Early Intervention Foundation, 2017). The 2017 report by the Department of Education also found that 29% of five-year-olds that started primary school did not read at a good literacy level. And, a 2021 study conducted by the National Literacy Trust also found that 50% of the children that started preschool (in the UK) are not school ready. 

How to Bridge the Gap? 

It is undeniable that children born in more literate communities have better access to health and education, key factors that affect life expectancies. Children born in higher-income families also have access to better education, books, and materials that will enable them to reach higher levels of literacy. 

Every person has the right to be literate. Literacy is your ability to read, write, speak, and make sense of the information around you. People with higher literacy levels are more likely to get higher-paying jobs. Literacy affects your overall living condition, and your economic status; basically how you will live your life is dependent on your literacy level. 

The only way to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor is through literacy. When children are given the chance to study, they are given the opportunity to create a better future and lives for themselves. And, when they are able to elevate their economic status, they are also more likely to have access to better health services and information, factors that also affect life expectancy. 

Reading is basic literacy for every person. In fact, it is core literacy because children’s vocabulary, comprehension, and knowledge are all directly affected when they read. The more vocabulary a child knows about the text that they are reading, the more likely they are to understand or make sense of it. 

Parents of children from literacy-challenged communities should understand that building a reading habit during the child’s early years will give them a better chance of having a successful life in the future. It is scientifically proven that children who have a habit of reading are more likely to achieve academic success. 

Gifting books to children from financially-challenged families is also a great way to help a child get a better life for himself. Books with personalised elements are the best starter books for children because it’s very relatable. Children’s interest in reading is affected by how relatable the book is to them, they prefer to read books that have a direct sense of personal relevance (NLT). Personalised books give the child a “sense of ownership” in the text, it is an important element in perceiving oneself as a reader. 

Children born in literacy-challenged communities do not have a choice but to live the life they are born with. However, they do have the chance to create a better life for themselves. A reading habit greatly affects their chance for success!