Art and Culture May Slow Biological Aging, Study Finds

Regularly reading, listening to music, or visiting museums could slow biological aging at a rate comparable to physical exercise, according to a new study. Researchers found that individuals who frequently engage in such cultural activities have a younger biological age than those who rarely participate, attributing the effect to the multi-faceted stimulation—mental, emotional, social, and even physical—that the arts provide.

Led by University College London, the study analyzed biological aging markers within DNA, known as DNA methylation, which controls gene activity and is used to measure age-related changes. Data, questionnaires, and blood tests from roughly 3,556 adults in the United Kingdom were examined, comparing their level of arts and culture engagement with biological aging indicators. The results showed that more active participants appeared to age at a slower rate and possessed a lower biological age.

Key Findings on Frequency and Impact

Engaging in an artistic activity at least once a week was linked to a slowing of aging by up to 4% compared to those who rarely took part. This rate is similar to the difference seen between regular exercisers and non-exercisers. The study also revealed that practicing arts three times a year was associated with a 2% slowdown in aging, which rose to 3% with monthly participation and 4% with weekly engagement.

In a separate analysis, weekly arts and culture participants appeared, on average, about one year younger biologically than infrequent participants. Professor Daisy Fancourt, the lead researcher, stated: "The findings show that the arts have a health effect at the biological level, and support the idea of considering cultural participation as a health-promoting behavior, just like exercise." She added that the variety of artistic activities may increase the health benefit due to their different mental, emotional, and social effects.

Dr. Feifei Bu, a co-author of the study, noted that the results provide the first direct evidence linking arts and culture to slower biological aging. She said the findings bolster growing evidence on the role of the arts in improving overall health, including reducing stress and inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.