Attending Church May Improve Seniors’ Health
Written By: Jason Lewis, CPT & founder of strongwell.org
Whether seniors actively practice religion and prayer or not, studies show that participating in a religious community benefits both their mental and physical health. Here is a list of these incredible benefits.
Church helps with mindfulness
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of dwelling on the past or obsessing about the future. Attending church provides a specific time each week for self-reflection and focus. This self-reflection relates quite closely to mindfulness, which as Psychology Today defines it, is “a state of active, open attention in the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass by you, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.”
Studies have proven that mindfulness changes the brain’s chemistry and anatomy. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression which many seniors experience, especially when they find themselves more alone or without access to mental stimulation, hobbies, and activities they once enjoyed.
Seniors who attend church reap the benefits not just of the company of other parishioners, but also from that self-reflection and prayer; many seniors incorporate prayer into their daily lives. In fact, a Pew Research Poll discovered that more than 50 percent of Americans pray each day. Experts agree that people who pray regularly are positively impacting their health. How?
Substance abuse: a growing issue among seniors
Seniors who abuse alcohol or drugs often do so because they’re trying to manage physical pain or psychological problems. When seniors attend church regularly, their friends and family may detect issues sooner than a doctor, who sees them less frequently.
It’s challenging for some to focus on the here and now, especially if we’re experiencing a transition as life-changing as addiction recovery. But taking even a few minutes daily to be mindful of all we have in the present moment—especially all we have to be grateful for—can help us feel more at peace with ourselves, our surroundings and our circumstances.
Weekly church attendance helps to bolster older adults by providing them with a compassionate, supportive community that cares about their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Photo Credit: pexels.com
Whether seniors actively practice religion and prayer or not, studies show that participating in a religious community benefits both their mental and physical health. Here is a list of these incredible benefits.
- Increased longevity. Religious or spiritual adults live longer, possibly because these adults who join a community experience a feeling of belonging, which tends to reduce stress or at least make it easier to manage.
- Improved outlook. Older people active within their churches tend to have more positive attitudes toward life and illness. When seniors who’ve moved into retirement communities continue to attend church, they’re less likely to experience isolation and loneliness. Plus, a strong church community helps them see and connect with the good in the world.
- Enrichment. Many churches offer an opportunity for older adults to continue their learning. Some larger churches provide information and programs on health, finances, political issues, the environment and the latest advances in technology.
- Fellowship and recreation. Church communities provide social support, making it easier to meet people and participate in activities like volunteering and mentoring programs. Many churches host fellowship meals, game days, outings, arts and crafts days, and even quilting circles. Some churches also provide exercise programs for seniors. And if they don’t, seniors can gather with other church goers to make use of the SilverSneakers program, which is available to those who have enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans.
- Service. Helping others, giving care and preparing meals give seniors a sense of purpose. Older adults often serve as deacons or leaders within the church itself. Some seniors participate in mission trips.
- Cross-generation connection. Younger people understand the benefit of having seniors in their lives. Increasingly, the younger generations are looking to older people for guidance, mentoring, and support.
- Connection between prayer and well-being. As people age and face the reality that the bulk of their lives lies behind them, many seek inner peace, which churches offer.
Church helps with mindfulness
It’s all too easy to fall into the trap of dwelling on the past or obsessing about the future. Attending church provides a specific time each week for self-reflection and focus. This self-reflection relates quite closely to mindfulness, which as Psychology Today defines it, is “a state of active, open attention in the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass by you, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.”
Studies have proven that mindfulness changes the brain’s chemistry and anatomy. It can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression which many seniors experience, especially when they find themselves more alone or without access to mental stimulation, hobbies, and activities they once enjoyed.
Seniors who attend church reap the benefits not just of the company of other parishioners, but also from that self-reflection and prayer; many seniors incorporate prayer into their daily lives. In fact, a Pew Research Poll discovered that more than 50 percent of Americans pray each day. Experts agree that people who pray regularly are positively impacting their health. How?
- Prayer improves self-control. Research shows that prayer can reduce alcohol consumption and other risk-taking behaviors.
- Prayer increases trust. Social prayer—people who pray together—build closer relationships.
- Prayer negates stress’s effects. People who pray for others—rather than material gain—experience fewer health issues, which has led some researchers to conclude that thinking about others’ welfare benefits those who pray.
Substance abuse: a growing issue among seniors
Seniors who abuse alcohol or drugs often do so because they’re trying to manage physical pain or psychological problems. When seniors attend church regularly, their friends and family may detect issues sooner than a doctor, who sees them less frequently.
It’s challenging for some to focus on the here and now, especially if we’re experiencing a transition as life-changing as addiction recovery. But taking even a few minutes daily to be mindful of all we have in the present moment—especially all we have to be grateful for—can help us feel more at peace with ourselves, our surroundings and our circumstances.
Weekly church attendance helps to bolster older adults by providing them with a compassionate, supportive community that cares about their physical, mental and spiritual well-being.
Photo Credit: pexels.com
