Going to Museums and Movies May Slow Aging, Study Finds

Key Points:

• A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health found that older adults who regularly visit cinemas, museums, and theaters have a lower physiological (biological) age compared to those who rarely or never attend, suggesting slower bodily aging.
• The study analyzed data from 1,899 participants in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, using a cultural engagement score to link frequency of visits to cultural venues with physiological age, finding a roughly three-year difference between frequent and infrequent attendees.
• Researchers controlled for factors like income, physical health, and lifestyle, and used longitudinal data to suggest that cultural engagement itself may contribute to slower aging, possibly through strengthened social bonds, healthier habits, and improved mental health.
• The study highlights the potential benefits of expanding affordable access to cultural venues for older adults, especially those who are socially isolated or less likely to attend, as cultural participation may support emotional well-being and physical health.
• While the findings are specific to England and rely on self-reported attendance at certain cultural venues, they add to evidence that leisure activities like museum visits and theater outings may positively influence aging alongside diet and exercise.