Engaging In This Beloved Activity May Actually Slow Biological Aging, Study Suggests
BuzzFeed • • health
Key Points:
- A study published in the Innovation of Aging journal found that engaging in arts and cultural activities can slow biological aging in older adults, with effects comparable to physical exercise.
- The research analyzed over 3,500 UK adults' participation in activities like singing, painting, museum visits, and heritage site tours, linking diverse and frequent engagement to a 4% slower aging rate.
- Biological age, measured through blood samples, reflects the aging of cells and organs, and participants regularly involved in the arts were found to be about one year biologically younger.
- The study’s findings were stronger for adults aged 40 and above, though limitations include self-reported activity data and the possibility that biologically younger individuals may be more active.
- Experts highlight that arts engagement reduces stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk, and that mentally stimulating hobbies also support cognitive health and may lower dementia risk.