YOUR CHURCH - A FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ?

In our modern times, we are used to have our status of health tested in laboratories and other medical facilities. To make it quantifiable. Overlooking – just as research has found out – that our overall well-being and longevity may also depend on lifestyle factors such as, e.g., attending religious events. Read on…

THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND

Jennifer Jones from Grand Rapids, MN, asks:
 
My grandmother is 98 years old and looks pretty healthy for her age. When asked about her ‘recipe’, she claims to find her ‘fountain of youth’ at church. As an emancipated citizen of our modern society, this looks rather strange and somehow ‘outmoded’ to me. How do you see this, Doc?
 
Dr. Fritz:
 
Our health and well-being is not only based on our physical status. In fact, there is even more involved like our mental - and psychological - capacity as well.
 

SCIENTIFIC FINDINGS
 

Now we learn from Emory Rollins School of Public Health in Atlanta, GA, verified by research at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, that good health and life extension may indeed be seen also in relationship to church – regardless of personal creed. At least for middle-aged and elder adults.  
 
Not only by attending Sunday worships but religious ceremonies in general – even funerals. According to this research, when attending religious events at least once a week, the hazard of mortality was found 40% less than for those who refrain from religious services at all.
 
Although these findings are based on observation without going into ‘measurable’ causality, lifestyle  in general - and even psychological factors - may indeed play a role in this case. E.g., that those with closer relationship to their church may live healthier in general, inter alia with less alcohol and potentially not smoking.
 
Also volunteering or other church members as part of social engagement and identity could potentially play a role for health and longevity.
 

IN A NUTSHELL

This research demonstrates once more that lifestyle plays a major role for health and life expectancy, even if the respective lifestyle factors are not always measurable in tests and laboratories. With religious ceremonies potentially being part of.   
 

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DISCLAIMER

All information stated in this blog are for your personal education, and not to replace the advice of your healthcare provider.