I recently met a 90 year old man in Cabela’s while picking up some needed items for deer season that is quickly approaching. (a little excited!) His energy and enthusiasm for life was so infectious. I couldn’t help but admire him and desire to be that active when I turn 90.
With that on my mind, I noticed also that the city of Fort Worth, Texas just 30 miles West of where I live, recently launched a citywide campaign to promote long life and well-being in their city. It is called the Blue Zones Project.
Their research has determined nine principles that are linked to people who live the longest and healthiest.
I thought it was interesting that five of the nine principles relate directly to what the church has to offer.
- Purpose – Wake up with purpose each day and add up to seven years to your life.
- Down Shift – Reverse disease by finding a stress relieving activity that works for you. (Such as prayer, worship, a Sabbath, etc.)
- Belong – Participating in a faith-based community can add up to 14 years to your life. (I’ll see you at church! Ha!)
- Family First – Invest time with family to add up to six years to your life.
- Right Tribe – Surround yourself with people who support you and positive behaviors.
(The other four principles involve physical activity and eating habits.)
Here’s a couple of scriptures from the Bible about long life.
I believe God wants you to live long and healthy.
Deuteronomy 5:33 (ESV) You shall walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live, and that it may go well with you, and that you may live long in the land that you shall possess.
Psalm 91:16 (ESV) With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.”
The word of the day is live. Live long. Live healthy. Live happy. It will make life better.