6 fun activities that can slow aging, according to science

Key Points:

• New research indicates that regularly participating in cultural activities such as attending plays, art galleries, concerts, and museums is associated with a younger biological age in older adults.
• A study of nearly 1,900 adults aged 50 and older found that those engaging in cultural events every few months had a biological age approximately three years younger than those with lower participation.
• Biological age, which reflects how cells and organs age, can be influenced by lifestyle factors including social connections and mental health, both of which may be enhanced by cultural engagement.
• Additional research shows that weekly involvement in creative hobbies like singing, dancing, or painting correlates with a slower aging rate, with mixed cultural activities providing greater benefits than repetitive engagement in a single activity.
• While healthier individuals may be more likely to attend cultural events, evidence suggests that such engagement itself contributes positively to aging well by promoting healthier habits and social interaction.