Study says visiting museums, art galleries may help you live longer

26 Dec 2019

Study says visiting museums, art galleries may help you live longer

Study says visiting museums, art galleries may help you live longerResearchers from the University College London (UCL) have found that people who engaged in the arts more frequently, had a much lower risk of dying early when compared to those who didn't.

These activities include going to the theatre, museum, exhibitions and art galleries.
 	Even though health behaviours like smoking, alcohol and exercise are bigger predictors of mortality, leisure and pleasure activities do support good health and long life.

The research

Researchers have been trying to understand and explain why there is a link between "arts engagement" and longer life.
 	They have looked at the social and economic differences among people who go and don't go to museums, exhibitions and art galleries.
 	Wealth, explained about 9% of the association, while mental health, mobility, disability and deprivation also played a role.
 	However, things like free time and occupational status didn't make much difference.

The outcome

Engaging with the arts can act as a buffer against stress and build creativity that allows people to adapt to changing circumstances. Everyone should have the chance to take part in cultural activities.

The study added weight to growing concerns about the decline in arts subjects in schools and universities.

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Researchers from the University College London (UCL) have found that people who engaged in the arts more frequently, had a much lower risk of dying […]

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