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Researchers at University College London (UCL) have shown that people who regularly participate in artistic activities live 31% longer than those who don't. Even visiting a theater or museum just once or twice a year can reduce the risk of premature death by 14%.
"While activities like smoking, drinking alcohol, and exercising are clear predictors of longevity, leisure and recreational activities—which people don't think are related to health—actually affect the body and longevity," said Associate Professor Daisy Fancourt at UCL, and author of the study recently published in the journal BMJ.
Specifically, the frequency with which each individual engaged in art-related activities—such as exhibitions, concerts, and operas, but excluding films—was recorded during the period from 2004 to 2005. Over the following 12 years, scientists recorded health data for the study participants.
UCL scientists examined a range of economic, health, and social factors in an attempt to explain why there is a link between "engagement in artistic activities" and longer lifespans. Part of the reason is believed to stem from socio-economic differences between those who visit and those who do not visit museums, exhibitions, and art galleries.
According to the study, wealth accounts for 9% of the correlation. Perceptions, social status, health status, etc., also play a significant role. Factors such as free time and occupation status do not create a clear difference.
Ms. Fancourt argues that engaging in artistic activities can be seen as a way to relieve stress and cultivate creativity, allowing people to adapt to changing situations. It also helps people enrich their "social capital"—accessing forms of emotional and informational support that prevent them from aging too quickly.
"If this research yields more evidence, we will get closer to a comprehensive picture of how art can benefit health, and that's not the only finding. Art can offer many other benefits and support healthy individuals in living longer."
