Attending church services not only enhances spiritual life, but also leads to a longer and less-stressful life according to new research from Vanderbilt Univers

The study published in PLOS ONE journal claimed people between the ages of 40 to 65 years old that regularly attend services at a church, mosque or synagogue decrease their chance of an early death by 50 per cent.

The data concluded that attending religious services leads to less stress and other health benefits.

The study stated: "Baseline characteristics revealed churchgoers had a better socioeconomic and health behaviour profile.

"Specifically, they were more likely to have higher levels of educational attainment, lower levels of poverty, increased physical activity, reduced rates of smoking and drinking, and a healthier eating index."

Researchers also said non-churchgoers "spent more time seeking social support from family, friends, relatives, and neighbours than churchgoers".

They also reported having significantly higher stress levels and health risks.