Scientists have discovered that engaging with the arts can be as beneficial for health as exercise, potentially slowing the ageing process and reducing stress and heart disease risk. A study led by University College London (UCL) suggests that arts and cultural engagement should be promoted as a health-promoting behaviour alongside physical activity.
Arts Activities Linked to Slower Ageing
Researchers analysed data from 3,556 UK adults, examining survey responses and blood test results to assess biological markers of ageing. They focused on DNA methylation patterns, which change over time and are used to measure epigenetic clocks. The study, published in the journal Innovation In Aging, found that individuals who frequently engaged in arts and cultural activities had a slower pace of ageing and a younger biological age.
Specifically, those who participated in an arts activity at least once a week appeared to age up to 4% more slowly than those who rarely engaged. This effect was comparable to the benefits of exercising once a week versus no physical activity. Monthly engagement was linked to 3% slower ageing, while participating at least three times a year was associated with a 2% slower ageing rate.
Diverse Activities Provide Multiple Benefits
The study highlighted a variety of activities that contributed to these benefits, including reading, listening to music, and visiting galleries or museums. Lead author Professor Daisy Fancourt from UCL’s Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care explained that each activity offers different types of stimulation—physical, cognitive, emotional, or social—which collectively enhance health.
“These results demonstrate the health impact of the arts at a biological level,” said Professor Fancourt. “They provide evidence for arts and cultural engagement to be recognised as a health-promoting behaviour in a similar way to exercise. Our study also suggests that engaging in a variety of arts activities may be helpful.”
Comparable to Exercise in Reducing Disease Risk
Previous research has shown that the arts can lower stress levels, reduce inflammation, and improve cardiovascular disease risk. Senior author Dr Feifei Bu added: “Our study provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to a slower pace of biological ageing. 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 findings suggest that incorporating arts into daily life could be a valuable strategy for promoting healthy ageing, alongside regular physical activity.
