Article September 3, 1984 Issue

Longevity's spiritual purpose

DOROTHY SCHUBERT MATTHEWS

In the United States the "graying of America" is a reference to growing numbers of senior citizens. An article in Parade Magazine stated that "by the year 2030, one out of every four Americans will be 60 or older." ^{Jess Gorkin, "Is America Ready for Its Elderly?" Parade Magazine, January 2, 1983, p. 12 .}

Humanity's concept of longevity ranges from being able to look back on a personal achievement with great pride on one hand, to a tenacious clinging to life in matter on the other. This concept demands more careful thought and prayer.

Christian Science helps us to view longevity through the lens of Truth rather than through the lens of the human mind. The activity of Truth redeems human consciousness from destructive beliefs of sin and disease, thereby broadening one's vision of life. Many have found that through the study and application of the teachings of Christian Science their lives have expanded and taken on deeper meaning. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy states, "... as a result of teaching Christian Science, ethics and temperance have received an impulse, health has been restored, and longevity increased." ^{Science and Health, p. 348.}