When you think of factors that affect a person's health and longevity, what probably comes to mind immediately are health risks such as smoking, lack of exercise, and obesity.
Participate in Community
Research has now identified the importance of social health factors as well.
Duke University studied 4,000 people for four years and found that those who attended church weekly had a 28-percent lower mortality rate overall when compared to those who didn't belong to a church community. The researchers also considered income, education, chronic diseases, other illnesses, health habits, exercise, smoking, drinking, body fat, social participation, and psychological status. None of these factors explained the results. Church attendance was still an independent predictor and the strongest predictor of longevity.
Another five-year study of 2,025 people age 55 and older that set out to find what factors best predicted longevity found similar results. Of all the lifestyle factors studied, "attending religious services" was the most significant factor. Community organizations provide an opportunity to assist other people, meet new friends, and become involved in worthwhile and meaningful projects.
Other research has determined that people who belong to social or community groups also enjoy a longer life. It seems that belonging to and actively participating in community groups provides a positive influence on health.
Further Support
Dr. C. Everett Koop, former U.S. Surgeon General, wrote a book called The Healthy Mind Healthy Body Handbook in the Time-Life Medical Series. The book quotes studies that show that church attendees have lower blood pressure rates and only half the risk for heart attacks. The book also includes a list of other health benefits that active participation in a faith community can provide, including:
- A sense of meaning and purpose
- A framework for setting priorities
- A way to place stresses and crises in perspective
- Comfort during illness or crisis
- Support for a healthy lifestyle
|
- Opportunity for social contact
- A means of developing supportive relationships
- Reasons to help others
- A sense of being part of something larger than oneself
|
Service Promotes Health
Retirees who become active community volunteers find ways to make their own lives richer by helping others. Community and service organizations such as the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, and the YMCA have all been a positive influence on communities as well as on the members of their own group.
Risks of Isolation and Loneliness
Being alone and apart from supportive groups carries well-known physical and mental health risks. When tragedy strikes, community becomes even more important for encouragement, strength, consolation, and support. Community involvement is essential for survival.
For Optimal Health
Become involved in a faith community or other service community organizations in your hometown. Not only will you find strength in community, but you'll likely enjoy better physical and mental health being part of one. |
