A new study from University College London suggests that regularly participating in arts activities-such as visiting galleries, joining a choir, or taking pottery classes-may help slow the pace of biological aging.
Researchers analyzed survey responses and blood test data from over 3,500 UK adults, comparing their engagement in arts and cultural activities with chemical changes to DNA linked to biological aging.
The team found that those who engaged in arts activities at least once a week appeared to age about 4 percent more slowly than those who rarely participated-a difference similar to that seen between weekly exercisers and non-exercisers.
The results were strongest among adults aged 40 and over, even after accounting for factors like BMI, smoking, education, and income.
Senior author Feifei Bu said: "Our study provides the first evidence that arts and cultural engagement is linked to a slower pace of biological aging."
The researchers used "epigenetic clocks" to estimate aging rates. Weekly arts engagement was associated with aging 4 percent slower on one key clock, while on another test, participants were biologically about one year younger than infrequent participants.
While physical activity remains a cornerstone of healthy aging, the study suggests arts and cultural activities should also be recognized as health-promoting behaviors.