Centenarians Cite Faith As Source of Longevity

If you pray, believe in God or some Divine essence and are spiritual, chances are you’ll live longer.

Indeed, 23 percent of 100 people between 100 to 104 cited faith and spirituality — not genes or good medical care — are why they’re still thriving past the century mark, according to a new survey from a unit of UnitedHealth Group.

The centarians also cited hard work, a healthy diet and “living a good, clean life” to explain their longevity, according to a report from Reuters and distributed via CNN.com.

Interestingly, we’re hearing more and more these days about the healing power of prayer. In fact, while working on my first book SUGAR SHOCK! and my follow-up book, The 21-Day, Kick-Sugar Countdown Diet, I had the pleasure of interviewing Larry Dossey, M.D., a leading authority on the healing power of prayer. (I highly recommend his book Prayer is Good Medicine.)

So, what can we learn from this? Well, to live a long, healthy rewarding life, shun those nutrient-lacking, quickie carbs, exercise, spend time with your family, and get in touch with your spiritual self.