Regularly participating in arts and cultural activities may help slow biological ageing, according to a British study published in the journal Innovation in Aging.
The study analysed survey responses and blood samples from 3,556 adults to examine whether activities such as reading, listening to music or visiting museums and galleries are linked to healthier ageing.
Researchers compared participants’ levels of arts engagement with DNA-based biological markers. They found that people who participated more frequently and in a wider range of arts activities tended to have a slower pace of ageing and a younger biological age.
The benefits were similar to those associated with regular physical activity. Participants who engaged in arts activities at least once a week appeared to age about 4 per cent slower than those who rarely participated. Weekly participants were also estimated to be about one year younger biologically. This difference in biological ageing was similar to that observed between people who exercised weekly and those who did not.
The relationship was stronger among adults aged 40 and older and remained significant after accounting for factors such as income, education, smoking and body weight.
Even occasional participation in arts activities was linked to slower ageing.
Researchers suggest that arts activities may promote healthy ageing by providing mental, emotional, social and physical stimulation.
“This builds on a growing body of evidence about the health impact of the arts, with arts activities being shown to reduce stress, lower inflammation and improve cardiovascular disease risk, just as exercise is known to do,” the senior author of the study said.
