Singing, painting or visiting cultural venues has been linked to a reduced pace of biological ageing, according to new research based on thousands of UK adults.
The study found that both active participation in creative activities and attending cultural events can help people remain biologically younger. Researchers used blood samples and survey data from 3,556 participants to measure “epigenetic clocks”, which estimate how quickly the body is ageing.
Those who engaged in artistic activities most frequently saw the greatest benefits. Weekly participation slowed biological ageing by up to 4%, while monthly engagement led to a 3% reduction. In some cases, participants who took part in the arts weekly were found to be around a year younger biologically than those who rarely engaged.
Prof Daisy Fancourt, the lead author and head of the social biobehavioural research group at University College London, said: “These results demonstrate the health impact of the arts at a biological level. They provide evidence for arts and cultural engagement to be recognised as a health-promoting behaviour in a similar way to exercise.”
The findings also suggest arts engagement may offer comparable benefits to other lifestyle changes. Researchers noted the impact was similar to differences seen between smokers and those who have quit. Dr Feifei Bu, a senior author and also a UCL academic, added: “Our study provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to a slower pace of biological ageing.”
Participants reported activities including singing, dancing, painting and visiting museums or heritage sites. Adults aged 40 and over experienced the strongest effects. While the findings highlight a clear link, researchers say more studies are needed to determine whether arts engagement directly increases lifespan.
