health
The Guardian view on public health and the arts: the all-singing, all-dancing science of ageing
New research showing that a rich cultural life brings similar benefits to exercise shows human creativity in a new light
TL;DR
- A new study indicates that regular participation in the arts is associated with slower biological ageing.
- The research, from University College London, found that individuals engaging in arts activities weekly were, on average, biologically a year younger than those who did so rarely.
- Benefits were observed in both attendees of cultural events and those actively creating art, with more pronounced effects in middle-aged and older adults and those involved in multiple activities.
- The study utilized "epigenetic clocks" to measure ageing-related changes, though questions about correlation versus causation remain.
- Researchers propose incorporating the arts into public health strategies, expanding beyond traditional lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
- Social interaction, cognitive and sensory stimulation, and stress reduction are identified as potential contributing factors to these anti-ageing benefits.
- The findings suggest a potential for creativity's psychological rewards to have mirrored benefits at a cellular level.