Findings on longevity

Here's an interesting article from the NY Times that I found through The Oregon Adventist Pastor blog.

The major premise is that how long a person stays in school is a strong determinant, even more than lifestyle and wealth, of a person's longevity. What is it about education that lengthens life? Studies suggest that it is because education teaches people to delay gratification. They are better able to look to the future, plan for it, and wait for it to come.

About halfway through the article (there are 3 pages) Adventists are mentioned, but disputes the traditional perception of diet being the primary reason why Adventists tend to live longer. Rather, it suggests from a study that the tight, cohesive social networks that Adventists have with one another is the major reason behind their longevity. (You know what I'm talking about -- you've gone to a church gathering in a state or country that you're sure you don't have any friends or relatives, but upon arrival you find out that there is someone who knows someone else you know -- or even knows you through some third party.)

Adventists are strong proponents of education. My guess and opinion is that Adventists tend to be better educated than the population at large. Our theology is one that emphasizes delayed gratification. And as studies have shown, we have tight social networks. Our focus on healthier living certainly helps.

Like most things, it seems to me that Adventist longevity is a result of a combination and a balance of many things. As a church and as Christians, we need to emphasize all these aspects as essential to life as God wants us to have, and not get tunnel-visioned on just one aspect.