Religious commitment linked to longer life

Regular involvement in religious activities goes hand in hand with better physical health and a longer life, according to a statistical analysis of 42 independent studies published since 1977 that have addressed this issue.

Lengthened lives of religious folk draw scientific interest. Adalberto Rios Lan/PhotoDisc

Scientists now need to examine the pressing matter of what causes the association between religious activity and mortality, asserts a team led by psychologist Michael E.