Arts Engagement Linked to Slower Biological Aging in Observational Study, Similar to Physical Activity

Engaging with the arts and culture slows biological aging by roughly the same amount as physical activity, according to researchers from University College London who analyzed data from seven different aging clocks of more than 3,500 people from the United Kingdom.

The study was published on Monday in the journal Innovation in Ageing. It is the first study to examine biological aging in relation to cultural engagement, Feifei Bu, a research fellow in UCL’s department of behavioral science and co-author of the study, told CNN.

The research found that both the frequency with which people engage with the arts and the number of different ways in which they do so can slow the aging process. Findings were generally stronger amongst middle-aged and older adults aged 40 or above. The data was controlled for income and a number of other factors.

Comparable effect sizes emerged between physical activity and engagement with the arts on biological aging. The arts cover a wide range of activities with different active ingredients such as aesthetics, sensory or physical stimulation, and social interaction. “Theoretically, one way the arts could affect health is through biological processes.

Our study provides evidence supporting this,” Bu stated. “Our research shows that both frequency and diversity matter. The ‘best’ way would depend on the individual — their interests, what’s available to them, and what they enjoy doing consistently,” she added.

Bu stated that the study underscores the potential value of integrating the arts into public health strategies and initiatives. The research team is planning to analyze similar data across different countries and populations. The team is also planning to examine how other biological outcomes could be affected by cultural engagement.

Mallon stated that the headline finding is that cultural activities are linked to slower biological ageing by roughly the same amount as physical activity. “This is a single snapshot in time, so we can’t yet say that visiting a museum causes you to age more slowly.

It’s possible that people who are biologically younger for their chronological age are simply more likely to get out and do things,” he stated.

Cnn reported the comments from both external scientists.