Monastic life linked to five‑year boost in male life expectancy

A German‑Austrian long‑term study led by demographer Marc Luy at the Austrian Academy of Sciences found that monks live about five years longer on average than men outside monastic communities. The research, involving 1,158 monks from 16 orders in Germany and Austria, showed that the gender gap in lifespan is almost eliminated among monks.

Key factors identified include a highly structured daily routine of work, prayer and meditation, regulated meal times, communal support, reduced smoking and other addictions, and equal access to medical care. The benefits are especially pronounced for monks with lower formal education, whose health outcomes converge with those of higher‑educated peers. The findings echo patterns observed in so‑called “Blue Zones,” where lifestyle contributes significantly to longevity.