The arts could be the ultimate anti-aging hack, study finds

If you’ve ever felt a little less stressed after an extended shower karaoke sesh, science says you might be onto something.

Engaging with the arts can help prevent biological aging at a rate similar to physical activity, according to a new study from the University College London.

How it went down

The researchers conducted extensive surveys and took blood samples from ~3,500 adults in the UK over multiple years.

Each participant answered questions about their regular activities, including exercise habits and involvement in 40+ different artistic activities (dancing, museum visits, theater trips, etc.).

• Scientists then used seven separate “epigenetic clocks” to measure how quickly participants were aging biologically.
• These clocks track chemical changes to DNA associated with aging, disease risk, and mortality.

What they found: People who regularly engaged with the arts aged ~4% slower biologically compared to those with little artistic involvement, translating to participants being biologically about one year younger on average.

• Scientists say the benefits are likely tied to stress reduction.
• Being creative can help lower long-term stress levels and reduce inflammation, a factor closely linked to aging and chronic disease.

Looking ahead…Scientists say many questions still remain, including how much artistic engagement is needed to make a difference in biological aging. But if future research confirms the findings, date night at the museum may eventually qualify as preventative healthcare.