Researchers have found that regular participation in activities such as reading, listening to music, and visiting museums and galleries is associated with a younger biological age in individuals compared to those who rarely engage in these activities. They explained that this effect may be due to the multifaceted stimulation provided by the arts, encompassing mental, emotional, and social aspects, in addition to some physical ones.
The study, led by researchers from University College London, relied on an analysis of biological markers of aging within DNA, known as DNA methylation, a mechanism that controls gene activity and is used to measure age-related changes.
The study included data, questionnaires, and blood tests from approximately 3,556 adults in the UK, comparing their level of participation in arts and culture with indicators of biological aging. The results showed that those who engaged more in these activities appeared to age more slowly and had a younger biological age.
The results showed that engaging in an artistic activity at least once a week was associated with slowing aging by up to 4% compared to those who rarely participate in such activities, a percentage similar to what is observed in people who exercise regularly compared to others.
The study also showed that engaging in artistic activities three times a year was associated with slowing aging by 2%, while the percentage rose to 3% with monthly practice, and to 4% with weekly practice, compared to those who participate in these activities less than three times a year.
In another analysis, researchers found that people who engage in arts and cultural activities on a weekly basis appeared about one year younger on average compared to those who rarely participate.
Professor Daisy Fancourt, the lead researcher on the study, said: "The results show that the arts have a health effect at the biological level, and support the idea of considering cultural engagement as a health-promoting behavior, just like exercise."
She added that the diversity of artistic activities may increase the health benefits, given the different effects they have on mental, emotional and social levels.
Dr. Vivi Po, who co-authored the study, confirmed that the results provide the first direct evidence of the link between arts and culture and slowing biological aging, noting that they reinforce the growing evidence about the role of the arts in improving public health, including reducing stress and inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.
