Seventh-day Adventists in Loma Linda, California, linked to longer lifespans through healthy lifestyle and community practices.

The residents of Lomalinda, California, have long been noted for their unusually long lifespans, with more than 100-year-olds living in the community. This small city, located in San Bernardino County, is home to a population of about 24,000 people and is recognized as one of the world’s Blue Zones—a term coined by researcher Dan Butttner to describe regions where people tend to live longer, healthier lives.

In 2005, Butttner published “The Secrets of a Long Life” in National Geographic Magazine, which became one of the best-selling issues of the publication. The article highlighted Lomalinda as the only Blue Zone in the United States. Butttner and his team of researchers spent years studying the community to understand the factors contributing to its residents’ longevity. Their findings revealed that most people in Lomalinda shared common lifestyle habits, including a plant-based diet, abstinence from alcohol and tobacco, and a weekly day of rest and reflection.

The study also noted that the community’s strong social networks and active lifestyles played a significant role in their health. Residents often engaged in outdoor activities and relied on a rich network of volunteers and neighbors for support. These habits, combined with a generally positive outlook on life and effective stress management, contributed to the community’s overall well-being.

Lomalinda’s population is predominantly composed of members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, a Christian denomination known for its emphasis on healthful living. The Adventist faith encourages followers to adopt a vegetarian diet, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and observe a day of rest on Saturday. These practices align closely with the lifestyle observed in Lomalinda, leading researchers to conclude that the Adventist way of life may be a key factor in the community’s longevity.

According to an interview with the National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) in April, members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lomalinda live, on average, 7 to 11 years longer than the average American citizen. This statistic underscores the potential impact of the Adventist lifestyle on health and longevity. The community’s commitment to these principles, along with its strong social bonds and active engagement in daily life, continues to be a subject of study and admiration.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)