New research suggests that going to church regularly might be the key to living longer according to a new report from the Washington Stand.
Don Buettner, known for his Emmy-winning documentary on longevity, found that weekly churchgoers could add up to 14 years to their lives.
This beats out the benefits of diet and exercise, challenging common beliefs about what keeps us healthy.
Key Facts:
– Going to church four times a month can add 4 to 14 years to your life
– Almost all (258 out of 263) 100-year-olds studied were part of a faith community
– Eating a “Blue Zone” diet can add 10 years of life for young adults, 6 for older adults
– Eating beans daily might give you 4 extra years
– Close family ties and regular movement also help you live longer
Key Quotes:
“We know people who go to church — or temple, or even mosque — and show up four times per month are living four to 14 years longer than people who aren’t.” – Don Buettner
“If you have zero physical activity in your life, you can raise your life expectancy three years if you just walk 20 minutes a day.” – Don Buettner
Why This Matters:
These findings could reshape how we think about health and longevity.
They suggest that social connections and spiritual practices might be just as important as what we eat or how much we exercise.
This could change how doctors advise patients and how communities are designed to promote health.
The study also shows that our choices matter more than our genes when it comes to how long we live.
This means we have more control over our health than we might think.
Simple changes like joining a church, eating better, or walking daily could significantly extend our lives.
Commentary:
The strong link between church attendance and longer life highlights the value of faith and community in our lives.
TRENDING: Polling Guru Nate Silver Releases Latest Electoral College Projections, Kamala Will NOT Be Happy
While eating right and staying active are important, this study reminds us not to overlook the power of spiritual and social connections.
Regular church attendance often comes with a package of healthy habits: stronger family bonds, community service, and a sense of purpose.
These factors work together to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
This research also challenges the trend of declining religious participation in some parts of society.
If attending church can add years to our lives, it might be time to reconsider the role of faith in public life and personal health decisions.
The Bottom Line:
Going to church regularly could add up to 14 years to your life, according to new research. This surprising finding outweighs even the benefits of diet and exercise.
It suggests that faith, community, and purpose are crucial ingredients for a long, healthy life.
As we look for ways to improve public health and reduce healthcare costs, supporting faith communities could be a smart, cost-effective strategy.
READ NEXT: Big Lots Files For Bankruptcy as Corporate Bankruptcies Hit a 14 Year High
For individuals, this research offers a simple but powerful message: joining a church might be one of the best things you can do for your health.
