Psychology professor Susan Lutgendorf of the University of Iowa led a study of 550 adults and the results revealed that attending church at least once a week increases your chances of living longer by 35%.

All 550 adults were over 65 years old and were followed for 12 years. Only 14.5% of those who attended church at least twice a week died during the study, while 35% of those who never attended church died. The difference between the two groups saw virtually no change even when other lifestyle factors were considered. Those who attended church regularly were shown to have stronger immune systems and also had a lower chance of high blood pressure.

The “risk of death”, concluded the study, for non church attendants was 52% while only 17% for those who attended church at least twice a week during the test period. While the exact reasons for his phenomena are unknown, the study actually recommends doctors prescribe regular church attendance to patients as a prescription for better health.

The study is called “Church is good for body and soul” by Elizabeth Day found in the National Pos: December 27, 2004.

Sources:
Opentheword.org. (Saturday, 11 November 2006) Regular church attendance increases life span. Retrieved November 3, 2008 from http://opentheword.org/content/view/112/77/.

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