Title | Religious Attendance and Biological Risk: A National Longitudinal Study of Older Adults |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2019 |
Authors | Suh, H, Hill, TD, Koenig, HG |
Journal | Journal of Religion and Health |
Volume | 58 |
Pagination | 1188–1202 |
Type of Article | Journal |
ISSN Number | 0022-4197 |
Keywords | Allostatic load, Biomarkers, Cystatin C, Religion |
Abstract | Although several studies suggest that religious involvement is associated with healthier biological functioning in later life, most of this work is cross-sectional. We extend previous research by employing a longitudinal design. Our analysis of Health and Retirement Study (2006/2010) data suggests that older adults who attended religious services weekly or more in 2006 tend to exhibit fewer high-risk biomarkers in 2010 and greater reductions in allostatic load over the 4-year study period than respondents who attended yearly or not at all. These patterns persisted with adjustments for baseline allostatic load and a range of background variables. |
URL | https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10943-018-0721-0 |
DOI | 10.1007/s10943-018-0721-0 |
Short Title | J Relig Health |
Citation Key | 9861 |