UCL Study Links Arts Engagement to Slower Biological Aging
A study conducted by University College London (UCL) and published in the journal Innovation in Aging reveals a connection between engagement in arts and culture and a decrease in biological aging. Analyzing data from 3,556 adults involved in the UK Household Longitudinal Study, researchers found that regular activities such as crafting or visiting galleries led to a reduction in biological aging. Engaging weekly slowed aging by 4%, while monthly involvement resulted in a 3% reduction. Those participating in arts weekly were biologically about a year younger than those who participated less frequently. Lead author Prof Daisy Fancourt highlighted the arts' health benefits, while co-author Dr Feifei Bu pointed out advantages like lower stress and enhanced cardiovascular health. The research focused on individuals aged 40 and older.
Key facts
- UCL study published in Innovation in Aging links arts engagement to slower biological aging.
- Based on blood test and survey data from 3,556 adults in the UK Household Longitudinal Study.
- Weekly arts participation slowed aging by 4%; monthly by 3%.
- Weekly arts participants were biologically a year younger than infrequent participants.
- Benefit comparable to difference between smokers and those who quit.
- Arts activities reduce stress, lower inflammation, improve cardiovascular disease risk.
- Study focused on adults aged 40 and above.
- WHO published a report on arts and health by Fancourt and Finn in 2019.
Entities
Artists
- Laure Prouvost
Institutions
- University College London
- Arts Council England
- Southbank Centre
- World Health Organization
- Nasjonalmuseet
- The Guardian
- Innovation in Aging
- UK Household Longitudinal Study
Locations
- Oslo
- Norway
- London
- United Kingdom
- County Durham