Mortality among Japanese Zen priests.

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Gerontology

Background:

• The health and longevity of specific occupational or religious groups are of interest for understanding lifestyle impacts on mortality.
• Previous studies have suggested potential health benefits associated with certain monastic lifestyles, but comprehensive data is often limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates among Japanese male Zen priests.
• To compare the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of Zen priests with the general Japanese male population.
• To explore potential lifestyle factors contributing to observed mortality differences.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study design was employed, following 4352 Japanese male Zen priests from January 1, 1955, to December 31, 1978.
• A total of 1396 deaths were analyzed.
• Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated for major causes of death, comparing the cohort to the general Japanese male population, with adjustments for regional differences.

Main Results:

• The overall SMR for all causes of death was significantly lower than unity (0.82, p < 0.001).
• Significantly reduced SMRs were observed for cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia and bronchitis, peptic ulcer, liver cirrhosis, and respiratory and lung cancers.
• Analysis of subcohorts (eastern and western Japan) confirmed significantly lower SMRs for all causes of death.

Conclusions:

• Japanese male Zen priests experience significantly lower mortality rates than the general male population.
• Lifestyle factors, including reduced smoking, traditional dietary habits (less meat and fish), and living in less polluted areas, are likely contributors to this reduced mortality.
• Further research into specific dietary and environmental factors is warranted to fully understand the observed longevity.