Modern medicine is increasingly affirming principles long practiced in traditional lifestyles, as evidenced by the stark health differences between Amish communities and the general U.S. population. Research indicates that daily habits associated with homesteading and close-knit family structures, often popularized by the contemporary 'tradwife' trend and fictional works like the novel 'Yesteryear,' may offer protective benefits against chronic diseases that plague the nation.
Studies have revealed significantly lower rates of chronic conditions among the Old Order Amish. For instance, research conducted by the University of Maryland among over 5,300 Amish adults in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, found markedly lower instances of diabetes (3.3% compared to the national average of 13.2%) and hypertension (12.7% versus 37.8%). Similarly, Ohio State University researchers reported that cancer rates in Amish communities in Holmes County, Ohio, were 56% of the U.S. average, and Amish children exhibit remarkably low rates of asthma and allergies.
The observed health benefits are linked to several key practices prevalent in Amish communities. Old Order Amish adults average between 14,000 and 18,000 daily steps, a stark contrast to the average American adult who sits for eight to nine hours daily and walks only 4,000 to 5,000 steps. Furthermore, Amish communities maintain strong social cohesion, with marriage being nearly universal and families averaging over six children, mitigating the health risks associated with loneliness, which affects nearly one in three American households. Unlike the general population, Amish communities have largely abstained from leisure-time technology use, with U.S. teens averaging over eight hours of screen time per day outside of school.
These traditional practices align with growing recommendations from public health officials. The U.S. Surgeon General has issued warnings about loneliness and excessive screen time, while the American Academy of Pediatrics advocates for increased outdoor playtime for children. The USDA and the American Medical Association caution against diets high in ultra-processed foods, a staple in many modern American diets.
In parallel, state legislatures are beginning to acknowledge the value of local food production and home-based living. Bipartisan support for "cottage food" reforms, aimed at reducing regulations for homemade food production and sales, is spreading across the country. This reflects a growing recognition that these traditional activities still hold relevance in contemporary America.
The author, CEO of the nonprofit End Chronic Disease, visited Amish country and noted that while the trend of embracing simpler, home-centered lifestyles may seem like a return to the past, it could offer a path toward addressing the nation's chronic disease crisis. The message is not necessarily to adopt an Amish lifestyle, but to recognize that fundamental principles of good health—such as consistent physical activity, strong community ties, and a diet based on whole foods—have long been accessible and may be key to combating widespread illness.