A British study published this month found that people who visit museums and art galleries regularly live longer. Other engagement with the arts, such as attending theater performances or the opera, had a similar beneficial effect. Over half the association is independent of factors that could explain the link such as wealth, mobility, and mental health.
We first saw the study reported in the December 22, 2019 New York Times, but their online paywall is a nuisance to navigate; a write up can also be seen on CNN’s website.
Researchers from University College London reviewed data from more than 6,000 adults in England age 50 years and older, who were taking part in a wider study on aging and who were followed for 12 years on average. They found that people who engaged in the arts more frequently — every few months or more — had a 31% lower risk of dying early compared to those who did not. Even going to the theater or museum once or twice a year was linked with a 14% lower risk.
Why? It is not clear, but one researcher commented that “engaging with the arts can act as a buffer against stress and build creativity that allows people to adapt to changing circumstances. It also helps people build social capital — accessing emotional support and information that helps people age more successfully. We also thought that a greater sense of purpose could play a role.”
New Year’s resolution: visit more museums!