Arts engagement linked to slower biological ageing, study says

"The results of the research from University College London (UCL), published in the journal Innovation in Aging on 11 May, shows that participating in arts-such as singing, dancing, painting and crafting, as well as attending art exhibitions and visiting heritage sites, museums and libraries-helps people stay biologically younger. It is the first study of its kind to demonstrate such a connection."

"The study of 3,556 adults in the UK used blood samples to analyse epigenetic clocks-which measure changes in DNA as a person gets older-and ascertain people's biological ages (rather than chronological ages). Survey responses, meanwhile, provided insight into the regularity of participation in cultural activities."

"In one test, the biological ages of those who engaged in cultural activities monthly were 0.8 years lower than those who only participated once or twice a year, while those who engaged weekly had a biological age 1.02 years lower. "Our study found that it's not just about doing arts regularly, but also about doing a range of different arts activities," says Daisy Fancourt."

""Each type of arts activity-reading, making music, going to cultural performances, visiting heritage sites etc-has different effects on us cognitively, emotionally and physiologically. So engaging in a diverse range of activities-just like having lots of different plants in our diets-is most beneficial for our health." The research also found that the relationship between arts engagement and biological aging becomes larger and more important as we get older."

Arts and cultural activities are associated with slower biological aging. A study of 3,556 UK adults used blood samples to measure epigenetic clocks, estimating biological age based on DNA changes over time. Survey data captured how often people participated in arts activities such as singing, dancing, painting, crafting, and attending exhibitions or visiting heritage sites, museums, and libraries. Monthly participation corresponded to biological ages about 0.8 years lower than participation once or twice per year. Weekly participation corresponded to about 1.02 years lower. Benefits were linked to engaging in a range of different arts activities, and the association appeared to strengthen with age.

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