If you’ve ever read the news about Adventists, you’ve probably heard about National Geographic’s “Blue Zones” study, which examined the regions of the world where people live the longest. In addition to the Japanese and Italian groups, the Loma Linda Adventists in California were also studied, and they are among the longest-living people in the world. The study reveals several interesting findings that help explain the longer life expectancy of Adventists.
Healthy habits to support longevity
Studies show that several healthy habits contribute to the longevity of Adventists, such as:
- Regular rest and spiritual renewal. Each week, Adventists observe the biblical Sabbath, taking a day off from work and daily responsibilities to spend time with God and enjoy creation.
- Optimal Health Through Diet and Exercise. Adventists have made significant contributions to health reform since the 1800s, so that people can live healthier lives and better serve God and others. Many Adventists follow a plant-based diet and abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
- Active religious community. Adventists spend a lot of time together in small and large groups, working toward common goals, attending church, studying the Bible, and interacting with each other.
How did Adventists begin to focus on health and wellness?
It began early in our history when we realized that personal health could be a powerful religious expression and support the Bible's teaching on the care of body and mind.
“Therefore, brothers, I urge you, in view of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is your reasonable service. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2, ESV).
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God in your body!” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, ESV).
Therefore, many Adventists follow a vegetarian diet, abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and other substances that affect the senses, and encourage regular exercise and adequate rest.
How did the emphasis on health begin?
In the late 1800s, when the Adventist Church was still in its infancy, the health situation in the United States was not favorable. There was little scientific information about food and water handling and the treatment of disease. Tradition and customary methods dominated medicine, agriculture, and food distribution, with a focus primarily on industrial and manufacturing aspects.
In the 19th century, there was no regulation or control over medical treatment methods. Preventive care and the impact of daily habits on health were not widely known.
The Bible clearly instructs us to care for our bodies as gifts from God, so Adventists believed that there were practical ways to better care for our bodies and minds.
Ellen G. White, a key figure in Adventism, played a significant role in spreading information about health and personal care. She advocated a healthy lifestyle, explaining that the healthier we live, the better we can fulfill our responsibilities and serve God.
For example, it was believed at the time that fresh air was harmful and that exposure to cold air could cause disease. Many homes, workplaces, and hospitals blocked the flow of air. However, White argued that “fresh air purifies the blood, refreshes the body and makes it strong and healthy”, while “poorly ventilated rooms weaken the body”This simple truth was revolutionary compared to the practices of the time.
Just as fresh air is a natural blessing of God’s created world, Adventists, in their search for medical knowledge, discovered that the best health is achieved through the elements of nature. Today, this is summarized by the acronym NEWSTART: Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunlight, Moderation, Air, Rest, and Trust in God.
The Old Testament tells us that God taught the Israelites, who had just been freed from slavery and primitive life, how to properly prepare food and practice hygiene. Similarly, Adventists played a major role in health reform in the 19th century.
In 1866, Adventists established the Western Health Reform Institute, also known as the Battle Creek Sanitarium, in Battle Creek, Michigan. It treated illnesses and taught patients how to live cleaner, healthier lives. These sanitariums later expanded across the country and became the Adventist health system, which includes hospitals, clinics, and health education programs.
The Adventist Church recognizes the autonomy and freedom of each person to make their own health decisions. Rather than imposing strict rules, Adventists encourage one another to live healthily and demonstrate God's love and care through their lives.
