A trip to the theater, museum or art gallery could help you live longer. And the more often you get that culture fix the better, a new study suggests.
Researchers from University College London (UCL) found that people who engaged in the arts more frequently — every few months or more — had a 31% lower risk of dying early when compared to those who didn’t. Even going to the theater or museum once or twice a year was linked with a 14% lower risk.
They looked at data given by more than 6,000 adults in England age 50 years and older, who were taking part in a wider study on aging.
How often an individual engaged in art activities, which also included exhibitions, concerts and opera but not cinema, was measured at the start of the study in 2004 to 2005. Participants were then followed up for an average of 12 years, during which time deaths were recorded using data from the UK’s National Health Service (NHS.)
The study looked at a range of economic, health and social factors to try and explain why there is a link between “arts engagement” and living longer, although as an observational study it can’t establish cause. Part of the reason, the study said, comes down to social and economic differences among those who go and don’t go to museums, exhibitions and art galleries.
Wealth, they found, explained about 9% of the association. Cognitive differences, social and civic engagement, mental health, mobility and disability and deprivation also played a role. Things like free time and occupational status made no material difference, said Fancourt.
“Part of the association is attributable to differences in socioeconomic status among those who do and do not engage in the arts, which aligns with research that suggests engagement in cultural activities is socially patterned,” the study said.
However, said Fancourt, “over half the association is independent of all the factors we identified that could explain the link.”
She said 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,” she said. “If this (study) is added to the larger body of evidence, we are getting an increasingly rich picture on how arts can benefit health and it’s not about one single outcome. It can have wide ranging benefits and support healthier lives lived longer.”
How do you fall in love with art?
“Clinicians who read the paper might recognize the value of the arts, but will also wonder how engagement with culture and the arts could influence longevity,” the editorial said.
“There is already much published work about the positive neurophysiological changes induced by activities, including the arts, which enable ‘deep play’ or ‘flow.’ However, as the authors note, further research is needed into the possible mechanisms that link cultural engagement with longer life.”
|
|
Last Thursday night, art appreciators and party-circuit regulars descended on the AGO for the gallery’s annual Arts Bash. In addition to raising $1.1 million for the museum, the event celebrated new exhibitions of works by Brooklyn-based artist KAWS (a.k.a. Brian Donnelly, who was in attendance) and the late American pop artist Keith Haring. Here’s a look at what went down and who turned out.
|
|
The Art Gallery of Algoma (AGA) will begin its public talk series this evening as the Honourable Patricia Bovey presents Western Voices in Canadian Art: The Land, Culture, and Reconciliation at 7 p.m.
This event is free to AGA members, although space is limited so tickets should be reserved in advance. Admission for the general public is $15. Tickets may be reserved at the gallery located at 10 East St., by phone at 705-949-9067, or online.
Patricia Bovey, LLD, FRSA, RCMA, is former director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery and the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. She has spent decades working in the arts and culture sector. Bovey was also an adjunct professor of Art History at the University of Winnipeg.
She writes and lectures widely on Canadian art; she was on the board of the National Gallery of Canada, and she served as the president of the board at the University of Manitoba. Patricia Bovey was a member of the Senate of Canada in 2016-2023.
Her latest book, Western Voices in Canadian Art, was published in spring of this year. The book is available for purchase at the Gallery Shop.
|
|
Blue Water Health in Sarnia is showing off a new piece of artwork from a local Indigenous artist.
As part of the hospital’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, it unveiled a commissioned piece of artwork by John Williams.
It can be seen on the first floor atrium.
The project was made possible by a $10,000 Government of Canada, Canadian Heritage Funding grant, through the government’s 2023 commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation program.
Migrant workers launch campaign and class action lawsuit alleging violations of fundamental human rights at the Montreal airport
India’s Latest Media Arrests Put Washington in an Awkward Spot
Constant price hikes are making inflation worse, Bank of Canada deputy says in speech
Canadian real estate: Condo sales falling, Re/Max says
GO trains running normally this morning after CN outage halted service: Metrolinx – CP24
In the news today: Regimental funeral today for B.C. Mountie, NDP victory in Manitoba – National Post
All Flesh Redux
Trump's real estate fraud trial begins, Sen. Bob Menendez trial date set: 5 Things podcast – USA TODAY
