Dear friend, I hope all is well with you and that you are as healthy in body as you are strong in spirit. 3 John 1:2 NLT
The health benefits of faith have been a hot topic of discussion for many years. Numerous medical studies on the subject have been conducted. Several have concluded that evidence suggests faith does provide many health benefits, including longer life spans, enhanced mood and reduced dependency on addictive substances.
Here are additional potential health benefits these studies have discovered over the years.
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
Seniors following the Bible's teachings are more likely to see and treat their bodies as a gift. The psalmist sings that humans are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and Paul states that we are God's masterpiece, which God made to do good things through Christ (Ephesians 2:10).
Maintaining a positive outlook regarding the body and health can help motivate seniors to keep up with their medications and practice good habits, such as eating wholesome snacks and exercising regularly.
At Bethesda Senior Living Communities, one of our goals is to equip seniors with the resources needed to live a vibrant life. Our extensive wellness programs focus on a wide range of areas, including fall prevention, nutrition, mental health and emotional support to ensure residents are nurtured in mind, body and spirit each day.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-8 NIV
Stress takes a toll on the mind and body, draining energy, disrupting sleep and triggering anxiety. Many factors can cause stress for seniors, such as health issues, financial problems and family matters.
Faith offers an answer to each of these stressors, allowing seniors to turn their worries over to God and experience the peace promised by Jesus to His followers (John 14:27).
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus urges those listening to consider how God cares for nature and not worry about their lives. He points out that worry can't change our circumstances for the better and focusing on God instead of troubles offers blessings.
Medical studies agree practicing faith enhances an individual's overall well-being by giving them direction, security and positivity in their daily lives.
The Centers for Disease Control estimates half of the adults in the United States have high blood pressure, and only one-fourth of those individuals have their blood pressure issues under control.
Hypertension or high blood pressure is linked to several serious health issues such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease.
Studies into the attendance of religious services have shown favorable results in this area for believers that consistently went to these services and similar activities.
We know how important regular gatherings with other believers are to help strengthen and grow in faith. Our communities schedule weekly worship services and studies for interested residents to attend. We are also happy to support individuals who want to host additional activities and services in their own assisted living apartments.
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV
Spiritual practices of prayer and meditation can help individuals relax and promote mental wellness according to some experts and studies.
The potential benefits for mental health only continue to increase with additional activities commonly practiced by individuals of faith, including volunteering, worshiping and participating in group studies and services.
Helping others and practicing gratitude naturally encourages participating seniors to focus their attention on God's goodness and ways they can make a difference. This can help reduce feelings of anxiety and helplessness and boost feelings of happiness and contentment.
Volunteering and outreach programs are an important part of our mission. Our communities routinely organize activities to give back to local organizations and individuals in need.
Interested seniors can ask staff members and their caregivers about upcoming volunteer opportunities for the chance to join in.
There are also many ways seniors can contribute on their own from their assisted living apartments, including:
