religion and longevity

I heard on the radio an interesting study. Those who attend a religious service once per week live on average seven years longer than those that do not. What is it about attending a church, synagogue or mosque that provides this life extension. Well, those with faith believe it is the hands of the divine that provide this benefit. But to a nonbeliever or one trained in the scientific method that answer just doesn't hold up.
Perhaps it is the security of believing that everything which occurs, whether good or bad, has a purpose. This purpose may not be understandable to man but an all knowing being is in control and is working behind the scene. This belief can be very calming and relieve significant stress during difficult periods of ones life and this may translate into longevity.
Perhaps it is the sense of community that often goes along with attendance at a religious service that is the key. The knowledge that their is a group of friends to help you when necessary. To be there for you during times of joy and times of sadness. To give advice when necessary or to help each other with raising children or taking care of an elderly parent. To provide for a divorcee or a widow or someone who has recently lost a job. The community is there financially and socially. It gives people a purpose when perhaps they feel they have no other. An elderly person has a place to go, a place to make friends and converse, a place to be able to contribute. It give people a sense of fulfillment when perhaps nothing else in their life could. It allows people to feel they are not alone.
I am a person who struggles with my faith in the divine. But I do believe that there are benefits to living a life that includes attendance at a religious service. I feel that when I am there, a lot of the daily stresses of life are reduced. It helps to listen to my clergyman discuss the bible and how that can translate into lessons for my own life. It helps me to become a better person to my family, coworkers and clients. If it translates into a longer and healthier life so much the better.
It is a shame that some people avoid or dismiss religion under the assumption that there is no divine entity. There are so many benefits to attending a religious service, an absolute belief should not be a pre-requisite for anyone. If more people attended religious services there would be less mental illness, less criminal activity, less drug use and better health. So join a church a synagogue or a mosque and give it a chance. Who knows? you may get a few years out of it