Food Source
Humans have been searching for the secret to longevity for centuries. And it’s likely that good nutrition played a role in the long life spans of the ancients. The Bible tells us that the people of that time ate a variety of foods, from grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes to meats, fish, eggs and dairy. They had access to clean water and generally lived in close proximity to the source. All of these factors helped to keep their bodies healthy and the nutrients available to them enabled them to live longer lives.
Furthermore, a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition proposed that the diet of the Old Testament Israelites – which was largely plant-based – provided them with the right balance of nutrients needed for a long, healthy life. They were perhaps well ahead of their time as such a diet is being heavily promoted today as being beneficial to our health.
Activity
The ancient people seem to have had plenty of physical activity that kept them fit and active in their daily lives. They certainly weren’t sitting around all day, as is often the case in modern societies. They had to work the land and tend to the animals, which involved strenuous activities such as digging, bending, stretching, lifting and carrying.
Moreover, physical leisure activities were also important to them, evident by how carefully it was recorded in the Bible. For example, sports such as running and swimming were popular, as were games of skill and chance. This combination of activities provided a physical stimulus to support their longer life spans.
Family Play a Role
The importance of family is evident in the Bible when looking at the long life spans of the ancient people. It was common for multiple generations to live together in one home, making it possible for them to share work and parenting responsibilities. This meant that no one family member was overburdened with the responsibility of caring for an elderly parent or grandparent.
Moreover, by living in such close proximity, family members served as the cornerstone of their community. They were able to provide emotional and practical support to each other when needed, helping to foster a sense of connectedness that has been linked to improved physical and mental health.
Spirituality
Spirituality also played an important role in the long life spans of the ancients. Being a deeply religious people, faith was a source of hope, joy and comfort that helped to sustain them. Many of them believed that living a virtuous life and abstaining from vices such as gluttony, drunkenness and physical indulgence were essential components of a long, healthy life.
Today, spirituality remains an important part of health and wellbeing, with research showing that religious practices such as praying can lead to a sense of comfort and peace, which in turn can reduce stress levels, leading to improved mental and physical health.
Stress Levels
The people of ancient times certainly had challenges, such as poverty and illness. However, their stress levels weren’t as high as they are today. This is due to the fact that their lives weren’t as fast-paced and technology-driven as ours is today.
Moreover, their environment was more natural, with less traffic, industry and modern conveniences, resulting in lower exposure to pollution, noise and other stress-inducing factors. This gave them more time to enjoy the natural world and focus on developing meaningful relationships, both of which can have a positive effect on our mental health.
Life Expectancy
The long life spans of the ancients, as reported in the Bible, can largely be attributed to the combination of healthy eating habits, physical activity, support from family members, and their spiritual lives, as well as their low stress levels and natural environment. All of these factors enabled them to reach life expectancies that far exceed those of today.
While modern life has changed drastically and there are many advances in medicine, prevention is still the best medicine, and the teachings of the ancients remain applicable today. Eating healthily, exercising regularly, maintaining supportive relationships with family and friends, and engaging in spiritual practices are as important now as they were then in fostering a longer, healthier life.
Genetics
Genetics undoubtedly played a role in the longevity of the ancients. Studies have shown that certain genes can predispose us to perform better in certain areas of physical fitness and wellbeing, which could have been passed down throughout generations and therefore enabled the ancients to live for so long.
It’s also likely that their lifestyle choices and practices contributed to their genes in a positive way, with each generation making healthier food choices, staying physically active, living with family and engaging in spiritual practices, all of which helped to preserve and strengthen their genes, making them more resilient to the ravages of age and disease.
Social Connectedness
The strong social connectedness amongst the people of the ancient world was probably another key factor in their long life spans. This is because social solidarity and support are essential for our wellbeing.
A study by the Harvard School of Public Health confirmed that people who maintain close relationships with family and friends live longer, healthier lives than those who do not. Moreover, having meaningful relationships with others positively influences our overall health and wellbeing. This can give us the feeling of being part of a community with shared values, which can help to ward off depression and anxiety.
Another factor likely to have played a role in the long life spans of the ancients was the strong psychological and socio-cultural environment in which they lived. They felt secure within the close-knit communities in which they resided and had a sense of purpose and belonging.
Moreover, they developed resilience through managing adversities, such as hardship and disease, and found ways to thrive amid difficult circumstances. This could suggest that in addition to physical health, mental and spiritual wellbeing had a strong influence on their longevity.
Connection with Nature
The connection with nature – something we have largely lost today – is likely to have contributed to the longer life spans of the ancients. Being able to consistently observe and appreciate the beauty of the natural world relieves stress, nurtures the spirit, and reduces the risk of lifestyle-related diseases.
We can still benefit from such a connection today by spending time outdoors. Research has revealed that when people take a break from hustle and bustle in nature’s vastness and serenity, there is a calming influence on the mind and body. This can help to promote mental clarity, reduce psychological distress and ultimately lead to a longer and healthier life.
