Our bodies are not our own—they are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19). But too often, our twenties become a time of indulgence, where we neglect our physical health in pursuit of pleasure. Chain smoking, excessive drinking, poor diet, and a sedentary lifestyle might seem harmless in youth. Yet, science and faith now align in urging us: by our mid-30s, this lifestyle begins to bear harmful fruit.
A recent study from Finland reveals that while poor health habits in our twenties may not show immediate consequences, by age 36 the damage begins to manifest—often irreversibly. Dr. Philip Borg, an NHS oncologist, explains, “What you do in that window shapes the health you’ll experience in the decades to come.” This decade, from 36 to 46, becomes pivotal for the trajectory of one’s health and longevity.
Why does this matter to Catholics? Because caring for our bodies is a moral responsibility. The Catechism reminds us that “life and physical health are precious gifts” (CCC 2288). Neglecting those gifts—even unintentionally—can lead to chronic illness, premature death, and an inability to serve others fully in our vocations. As Dr. James Wilson of UCLH puts it, “Age 36-46 is when we start to see patients developing conditions such as cancer, which could have been avoided with lifestyle changes.”
So how do we turn the tide?
It begins with repentance of habits that harm the body. The research shows those who quit smoking before 35 have nearly the same long-term mortality risk as those who never smoked (2022 study of 500,000 Americans). Even quitting between 36 and 44 can add up to nine years to your life. As Dr. Wilson warns, “When I see people who continue smoking into their 40s, I think it’s madness.”
This period is also marked by hormonal changes for both men and women. As Dr. Harpal Bains notes, “This affects everything, from a decrease in muscle mass and bone density, to lower immunity and our ability to process sugar and fats.” Women approach menopause, men lose testosterone, and chronic stress—which suppresses hormones—makes things worse. Without intervention, the body becomes more vulnerable to disease and dysfunction.
But the good news is it’s not too late.
Now is the time to return to order—both spiritual and physical. Dr. Borg emphasizes that “exercise is more important than ever at this age,” and recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, including resistance training. Nutrition must also support the body’s needs: avoiding sugar and ultra-processed foods, prioritizing lean plant-based proteins, and supporting gut health with fermented foods like kimchi and kefir.
Supplements like vitamin C, D, B-complex, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium are all recommended by longevity experts to support inflammation control, cognitive health, and restful sleep. Catholics can see this not just as bodily maintenance—but as stewardship.
Dr. Borg also encourages rest and joy, saying, “Spending time doing things you enjoy with other people is so important… sticking to simple sleep hygiene rules can have amazing health benefits in the long term.” In the Christian life, joy and peace are not luxuries—they are fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and essential to health.
What’s at stake isn’t just more years of life—but a greater capacity to live out our God-given mission. Whether we’re raising children, serving in ministry, or caring for the sick, we are called to present our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). Taking control of our health in this critical decade is not vanity—it is virtue.
Let this be the time to make a change—not just for yourself, but for the Kingdom.
