Arts engagement linked to slower biological aging, UCL study finds

A study from University College London (UCL) published in Innovation in Aging on 11 May found that participating in arts and cultural activities—including singing, dancing, painting, crafting, attending exhibitions, and visiting heritage sites, museums, and libraries—is associated with slower biological aging. The research, involving 3,556 UK adults, used blood samples to analyze epigenetic clocks, measuring biological versus chronological age. Those who engaged in cultural activities monthly had biological ages 0.8 years lower than infrequent participants; weekly engagement corresponded to 1.02 years lower. Lead author Daisy Fancourt, head of UCL's Social Biobehavioural Research Group, emphasized that diversity of activities is key, comparing it to a varied diet. The study found the effect strengthens with age and suggests arts engagement may be as beneficial as physical exercise like running or yoga. It recommends including creative activities in public health strategies, promoting regular engagement akin to 10,000 steps daily or five servings of fruits and vegetables. The research is part of a £3.5 million, seven-year Wellcome-funded program led by UCL to explore the molecular and global health impacts of arts.