The report included Loma Linda Seventh-day Adventists and showed that church members the
re live five to ten years longer than their American counterparts. Dr Elsworth Wareham was filmed performing open heart surgery at age 92. The positive impact of a vegetarian diet, disciplined lifestyle, faith and stress reduced living were indicated as key factors for their longevity.
In a population of 1 million people, the Okinawans of Japan have over 900 centenarians, an average more than four times higher than the UK. Aging more slowly than anywhere else in the world is partly due to a lifestyle featuring strongly on diet and exercise.
Dietary Impact: The Adventist dietary habit was clearly emphasised. The programme stated, "Many Adventists stick to the vegetarian diet encouraged by the church." 103-year-old Marge Jetton attested to the fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains that kept her healthy.
The report advocated the benefits of a 'rainbow diet' where high antioxidants protect against cell damage. These rich, colourful foods like orange, deep yellow, red and green fruits and vegetables are key to enhancing health as we age. In addition, Tofu and unprocessed Soya were found to be responsible for the Okinawans having the lowest levels of prostate and breast cancer and chronic illness prevalent in the West.
Dr Bradley Willcox stated: "If we lived in the West more like the Okinawans, we could probably close 80% of our cardiovascular units, 1/3 of our cancer wards and nursing homes would go out of business."
Equally important to longevity is reducing the amount we eat. The Okinawans stop eating when they are 80% full, eating around 1,200 calories a day. This is a stark contrast to cultural habits that drive food consumption in the West.
Exercise: It was amazing to see 103-year-old Adventist, Marge Jetton, cycle 6 miles daily before breakfast. She walks with the agility of a healthy 70-year-old and exercises regularly lifting weights. Okinawan's exercise well into old age enabling them to retain their mobility and agility. They also grow their own food and engage in a lot of outdoor activities.
Genetic Impact: Gwen Foster, Adventist Health and Fitness Tsar from Philadelphia, states, "faulty genes load the gun, but lifestyle pulls the trigger". Dr Clemency Mitchell, an Adventist doctor and health advocate based in Binfield, Berkshire indicates that genetics only account for approximately 20% of longevity. Commenting on the reduced life expectancy in some parts of Glasgow, a contrast highlighted in the programme, she maintains that positive changes in lifestyle can still make a considerable difference.
Faith Impact: Stating that people who go to church regularly lived longer, the spiritual impact of the Adventist faith was closely examined. Strong beliefs and a positive response to stress were seen as important. Researcher Dr Kelly Morton says: "There are many stressors in life that we cannot control? Connection to something higher than ones self, connection to the sacred, connection to a tight knit religious community allows you to modulate your reactions, your emotions, to believe that there is a broader purpose and therefore your body can stay in balance and not be destroyed by those stressors and traumas over time".
This Horizon report reinforces the benefits of the Adventist Health Message, currently the object of worldwide interest. Recognising the interest Adventist World Church Headquarters recently voted to reaffirm its health guidelines. With Horison's health focus in the UK being on Glasgow the church there has reemphasised this difference to the local community. In a release to local media, John Wilby, Scottish Mission Communication sponsor wrote, "For over 100 years Adventists have promoted a holistic lifestyle based around the 8 principles of good health, NEWSTART (Nutrition, Exercise, Water, Sunshine, Temperance, Air, Rest and Trust in Divine Power [Ministry of Healing p.127]). These principles lead to a more positive lifestyle and not just living longer, but living a better quality of life."
He also took the opportunity to share the Adventist Advantage with the community, offering the Better Living Health courses from the Adventist Discovery Centre, Stanborough Park, Watford Herts, WD25 9JZ, online at or by emailing . Glasgow churches are also in the process of developing Health courses for the community. The "Adventist Advantage", as it is sometimes called is focused around the plant based diet outlined in the first chapter of the Bible and other health principles of hygiene, holistic lifestyle and positive choices outlined in the Old and New Testaments of the Bible.
The BBC2 programme is available for a limited time on the
BBC website. The BBC report can be read
here. [Viewing statistic from
barb.co.uk].
[Sharon Platt-McDonald/BUC News]
By courtesy of the Adventist BUC News
