Nearly 93% of adults 65+ and 78% of mid-lifers in the United States live with a chronic health condition. Common chronic conditions starting as young as mid-twenties include high cholesterol, hypertension, and obesity. As people age diabetes, heart disease and arthritis are added to the list.

Shifting your mindset and making lifestyle changes can help you manage or even reverse chronic disease while honoring God with your body. In 1 Corinthians 6:20 (NIV), we are reminded “You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” This scripture speaks to the way we care for our physical health. When we see our bodies as a temple and a gift from God, taking steps toward better health becomes more than just a personal goal; it becomes an act of worship and stewardship.

I researched and compared U.S. rates to several countries in Asia. Not surprisingly, there is a substantially lower percentage of those with health issues, with less than 10% having a chronic health condition, in many countries. It is noteworthy that these numbers increase dramatically in urban versus rural areas of various countries. Moreover, when comparing U.S. chronic condition rates to those in Blue Zones (Longevity), those in the Blue Zones are markedly lower in all categories (up to 80% lower). The two primary factors creating the differential is mindset and lifestyle.

Shifting your mindset and making lifestyle changes can help you manage or even reverse chronic disease while honoring God with your body.

Shifting your mindset and making lifestyle changes can help you manage or even reverse chronic disease while honoring God with your body.

Intentionally Move Naturally

Desk work has replaced hard physical work in many cases, and urban living equals less physical work on the property. Those who live in rural areas move naturally while gardening, tending animals, cooking, and doing household tasks. For those who live in urban areas, there are also ways to intentionally move naturally. Here are a few ideas:

·  Take the stairs instead of the elevator.

·  Walk or bike for short errands.

·  Do chores by hand instead of machines (dishes, lawn care, laundry)

·  Start a small garden—even a few potted herbs on your balcony count.

·  Stand up and stretch every hour if you have a desk job.

Mindfully Live with Purpose

Blue Zones research shows that having a clear sense of purpose can help people live up to seven years longer than they otherwise might.

In the Blue Zone of Nicoya, Costa Rica living with purpose is called ‘plan de vida’, translating roughly to “a reason to live.” The Blue Zone way of thinking is a relatively new way of thinking, however the Bible gave us directives thousands of years ago. Ephesians 2:10 (NIV) tells us “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Here are some ideas of ways we can live mindfully and with purpose:

·  Teach skills to younger generations.

·  Share stories, wisdom, and traditions with younger family members.

·  Participate in life groups (circles of friends who support one another).

·   Care for grandchildren and extended family.

·   Engage in volunteering and mission work through the local church

Intentionally Create Space

Most of us live in what is often referred to as a ‘rat-race’, pushing through the day with little time to mindfully stop and breathe, eat a healthy meal, or have coffee with a friend. Forty hour work weeks have become a thing of the past, as corporate demands fifty to sixty hours as the norm and vacations remain elusive as PTO time goes unused. Smart phones, ipads, and laptops have created an ‘always on’ lifestyle, blurring lines between work and rest. Commutes have increased over the years, often adding 1-2 hours to the work day. Parents are juggling jobs, kids activities, and social commitments, leaving little time for interactions with family and friends.

Is it any wonder there is an increase in hypertension (high blood pressure) and a plethora of other chronic diseases? When did slowing down become a luxury?

Living in a perpetual state of busyness takes a toll.

Living in a perpetual state of busyness takes a toll. Chronic stress keeps cortisol and adrenaline elevated, leading to high blood pressure, weight gain, and sleep disruption. Mental health suffers: anxiety, depression, and burnout are rising sharply. Relationships weaken, as meaningful conversations and shared meals get replaced by rushed interactions. Physical aging accelerates: studies show constant stress literally shortens telomeres (the protective caps on DNA linked to longevity). We must intentionally create space in our lives to slow down before chronic diseases take over and we are medically forced to slow down.

Here are some ways to create space in your life:

·  Take a 15 minute break and use it to call a friend (not text or IG messaging).

·  Use your commute time to listen to an audio book, podcast, or just enjoy silence.

·  Schedule a digital detox each week and use it to just enjoy being in nature.

·  Eat meals with family and friends at least a couple of times a week.

·  Plan long weekends or week-long vacations, void of responsibilities.

Chronic illness often feels inevitable, yet many of the conditions we face can be managed—or even reversed—through mindset and lifestyle shifts. Scripture reminds us to honor God with our bodies, making health not just a personal goal but an act of worship. Living with purpose, moving naturally, and creating space to slow down fosters resilience and well-being. Whether tending a garden, mentoring others, or sharing meals with loved ones, we embrace rhythms that reduce stress and strengthen community. Caring for our bodies honors both life and the One who gave it.