A study of 2,000 older adults in England has found that engaging in cultural activities such as visiting the cinema, museums, and art galleries is associated with a lower biological age, with effects comparable to regular exercise.
Study Details and Findings
Researchers analyzed data from participants aged over 50 in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. They surveyed how often individuals attended cultural venues like the cinema, theatre, concerts, art galleries, or the opera. Medics measured ten physiological markers, including body mass index (BMI), grip strength, walking speed, and diastolic blood pressure.
Those with higher cultural engagement scores—attending such activities every few months—had an average physiological age of 66.9 years, three years lower than those who attended less frequently. The findings were reported in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Comparable to Exercise
Author Dr. Yusuke Matsuyama of the Institute of Science Tokyo in Japan stated: "Community-based cultural activities may also foster greater community involvement. For example, a 10-week museum programme that included curator talks, object handling and discussion, and arts activities improved emotional outcomes such as cheerfulness and feelings of encouragement among socially isolated older adults."
He added: "Cultural engagement is modifiable, and thus, it can serve as an effective intervention point for healthy longevity. Notably, the impact can be comparable to frequent physical activity. Increasing geographical and financial accessibility to cultural infrastructure and events would expand opportunities for frequent participation."
Physiological Markers
Biological age—a measure of how well the body functions—can differ from chronological age. Besides BMI, grip strength, walking speed, and diastolic blood pressure, other markers measured included pulse pressure, breathing force, haemoglobin concentration, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
Participants with higher cultural engagement scores were more likely to be women, in paid employment, and have better health. Researchers controlled for household income and employment status to account for wealthier individuals attending more events.
Implications for Healthy Aging
The researchers concluded that promoting engagement with culture could be a "promising strategy to slow the pace of physiological ageing and support healthy ageing in older adults." Previous observational studies have linked coffee and dark chocolate consumption with slower biological aging, but many factors are involved. Studies in Japan have also found that older adults engaging in artistic and cultural activities have a lower risk of depression and cognitive impairment.
The focus on biological age comes as average life expectancy in the UK has recently begun to fall, with obesity, high blood pressure, and rising cholesterol among contributing factors.
