Health Benefits for the Elderly Attending Church

Health Benefits for the Elderly Attending Church

by Jason Lewis
Strongwell.org
info@strongwell.org

It has been proven that attending church has a positive long-term effect on health for the elderly. Many seniors suffer from isolation and loneliness because life has slowed down. There is no longer a need to go to work every day, some are dealing with the loss of a spouse, and their children are grown and living on their own.

Senior isolation is linked to long term illness, and increased risk of mortality and depression becomes a common result of the lack of activity and social connection, often leading to negative coping habits such as substance abuse. Going to church can fill this gap because it offers the chance for fellowship on a regular basis.

Church members also offer great support to other members and oftentimes become an extended family.

Seniors who are socially isolated tend to have a more pessimistic outlook about their future, and are more likely to predict that their quality of life will worsen over the span of the next 5-10 years. It has been proven that people who attend church regularly live longer and are happier than those who don’t attend.

Stability is a value that many seniors crave, and a routine is the only thing that can make an older adult feel comfortable, in control, and secure. A weekly routine of attending church will give them something to look forward to, which encourages happiness and restores their quality of life!

Unfortunately for many seniors, the later stages in life are a sad time plagued with illness and regret. Aging can be a hard pill to swallow, but with the support and love offered by the church, older adults can manage to find happiness and good mental health again.