Engagement with arts can slow biological aging, study finds
Engaging with arts and culture may slow down biological aging, with effects comparable to physical activity, according to a study from University College London (UCL), released recently in the journal Innovation in Ageing, reports BritPanorama.
Researchers analyzed data from over 3,500 individuals from the United Kingdom using seven different aging clocks that measure various biomarkers to assess biological age. The findings indicate that both the frequency of engagement and the diversity of artistic activities contribute to slowing the aging process.
Feifei Bu, a research fellow at UCL and co-author of the study, stated that past research has already linked cultural engagement to better health outcomes, particularly in cognition and mental well-being. However, this study is the first to explore its direct correlation with biological aging.
Bu elaborated, “Theoretically, one way the arts could affect health is through biological processes. Our study provides evidence supporting this.” She highlighted that a broad range of artistic activities offers distinct benefits, including aesthetic enjoyment, sensory stimulation, and social interaction.
The research further indicated that the effects of engagement in the arts mirror the benefits seen from physical activity, especially among adults aged 40 and above. The study also accounted for variables such as income and other social factors.
“Our research shows that both frequency and diversity matter,” Bu noted, adding that the optimal engagement would depend on individual interests and opportunities available to them. She emphasized the significance of integrating the arts into public health strategies.
Moving forward, the team plans to explore similar data across different countries and populations, examining how cultural involvement may influence additional biological outcomes, Bu added.
James Stark, a medical humanities professor at the University of Leeds, lauded the research as “detailed and robust,” underscoring the study’s comprehensive approach to assessing biological aging through cultural participation.
“It draws on cutting-edge tools for measuring biological ageing and uses a large swathe of real-world data,” Stark explained. He reiterated that the findings reinforce the positive impacts of cultural participation on health and the necessity of investing in the arts, which are crucial for well-being.
Eamonn Mallon, a professor of evolutionary biology at the University of Leicester, remarked on the study’s groundbreaking nature in linking cultural activities to molecular-level biological aging. He cautioned that while the findings are noteworthy, they represent only a snapshot in time. “It’s possible that individuals who are biologically younger for their chronological age are simply more likely to engage in activities, rather than cultural participation causing slower aging,” Mallon noted.
As researchers delve deeper into this emergent field, the implications for public health policies are increasingly evident, suggesting that cultural engagement could play a vital role in promoting overall well-being.
