A new study from University College London has found that engaging in arts and cultural activities at least once a week can slow biological ageing by 4%, offering benefits comparable to regular exercise. The research analyzed blood samples from 3,556 UK adults and measured ageing using epigenetic clocks.
Study Details
Participants were asked if they had participated in activities such as singing, dancing, painting, photography, attending art exhibitions, visiting heritage sites, or going to museums, libraries, or archives in the past year. Those who did at least one of these weekly showed a slower pace of ageing. On average, arts enthusiasts were biologically one year younger than those who rarely engaged in such activities.
Comparison to Exercise
The anti-ageing effect was similar to that of exercising once a week. However, researchers emphasize that this does not mean exercise should be replaced; rather, arts and culture can complement physical activity for healthy ageing.
Expert Insights
Lead author Professor Daisy Fancourt stated: "This study provides the first evidence that engaging in arts and cultural activities is associated with a slower pace of biological ageing, with benefits similar to physical activity." The results were comparable to the difference between current smokers and ex-smokers.
How It Works
The study used seven different epigenetic clocks to measure ageing. While these tools are not without controversy, arts and culture were linked to slower ageing on three of the seven clocks. Researchers note that slower ageing does not necessarily mean longer life, but it supports healthy ageing at a biological level.
Practical Implications
The findings suggest that incorporating arts and culture into public health strategies could promote healthy ageing. Visiting a museum, enjoying a concert, or taking up a creative hobby may offer tangible biological benefits.
For Londoners, the new V&A East Museum in Stratford, which opened after a decade of construction and a £135 million investment, offers an opportunity to explore creativity through galleries on art, architecture, design, performance, and fashion. A temporary exhibition on Black British music is also on display.
