Daisy Jones contacted me and volunteered to present an article on my Tuesday blog. I find this to be a very good article and I hope you will enjoy it as well.
Mental health benefits of attending church for seniors
Attending church offers numerous spiritual benefits for the elderly and younger people alike. Recent studies indicate additional health benefits for seniors. Guest author Daisy Jones explains why attending church could promote your well-being in your senior years.
Promotes mindfulness and an integrated sense of life
Church offers a platform for one to reflect on life. Attending church can give you a deeper sense of gratitude and reverence. It is a place of quiet, peace, and calm that grounds you while offering you respite from the stresses and hassles of life. Even when faced with challenging times, going to church can help you find the lessons in the trials.
In the Christian worldview, life is more than the physical and material; there is a greater purpose for your life. The church teaches forgiveness which is essential in helping you let go of life’s frustration and disappointments. You realize you are a loved human being and embrace your life as a gift from God that you should take care of and enjoy.
Helps in recovery
Attending church is a wonderful way to spend time in the present moment and be grateful for all of the gifts we have in life, especially when we’re going through something as difficult as addiction recovery.
Bible philosophies help to ground you on your recovery journey. Many people who have successfully recovered from addiction have used prayer to help them overcome their demons. In the 12 steps of recovery, adherents believe that a power greater than themselves will help them restore their sanity. Christianity reminds you to surrender and rely on God’s grace and guidance for restoration.
Helps to fight depression among seniors
While one can get depression at any age, there is a high risk for depression among the elderly which has been attributed to the isolated lifestyle among many seniors. Attending church provides you with a community to belong to. You get to engage with different people who can refresh your perspective on life. You meet kind people who share your beliefs in whom you can confide when facing challenges. Engaging in church activities such as weekly Bible studies or volunteering fills up your time and gives you a sense of purpose, which minimizes the amount of time you spend alone.
Provides an opportunity for you to be active
Your mobility and energy levels may decrease in your senior years. You tend to spend more time seated or lying down. Joining a church that is nearby will offer you an opportunity to walk and stretch. Walking even a half a mile to and from church could give you the momentum you need to become more active. Church services incorporate activities that require physical activity such as swaying as you sing, raising your hands in worship, and standing up during prayers. When you combine these activities with some stretches and balance exercises at home, you’ll be less likely to fall and be able to live in your home for longer.
Promotes healthy behaviors
On average, churchgoers drink less, smoke less, are less likely to be involved in sexually promiscuous behaviors and use of recreational drugs. Furthermore, some churches prohibit the use of drugs and alcohol among their congregants. Christian faith promotes a positive outlook on life and illnesses which result in improved health and coping capability among the sick and disabled.
Promotes longevity
Many studies indicate that people who believe in a higher power live longer than those who do not. This longevity can be attributed to less stress that comes from knowing there is a higher being helping you out and guiding you in life, as well as the healthier lifestyle advocated for in many churches.
Despite your best intentions to attend church every Sunday, some days you may be unable to for one reason or another. In such a case, do not entirely exclude yourself from the meaningful benefits of attending church. Consider live streaming or tuning in to a service being aired on television or online.
Bio: Daisy Jones is the proud mom of three wonderful children who are growing up way too quickly. She’s currently a stay-at-home parent so she can soak up as much time with her kids as possible while they’re still little.
