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!

All 550 adults were over 65 years old and were followed for 12 years. Those who attended church at least once a week were 35% more likely to live longer than those who never attended. 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” for participants, concluded the study, over the 12 year period for non church attendants was 52% while only 17% for those who attended church at least twice a week. While the exact reasons for his phenomena are unknown, the study co-author Wallace suggests that doctors could prescribe regular church attendance to patients as a prescription for better health.

Source:
“The secret of long life… go to churchl” by Elizabeth Day. 26 Dec 2004. Can be found online at http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1479774/The-secret-of-long-life…-go-to-church.html