Art isn’t just something we see on a stage or in a studio—it can actually help us live longer and healthier lives.
That’s the main message of a new international study by the Jameel Arts and Health Lab. The study looked at nearly 100 research projects from 27 different countries.
It found that creative activities like music, dance, storytelling, theater, and other cultural programs can help prevent major illnesses like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These illnesses cause nearly three out of every four preventable deaths worldwide.
This research comes just before a major meeting by the World Health Organization about preventing these deadly diseases. The study gives strong evidence that the arts can play a key role in public health and even help make healthcare systems stronger.
Dr. Jill Sonke, a researcher at the University of Florida and lead author of the study, said, “We don’t want to only treat disease—we want to stop it before it starts. Arts should be part of that prevention plan because they really work.”
She and Dr. Michael Tan from the University of the Arts Singapore led a team that studied 95 research projects involving over 230,000 people. Their findings were published in Nature Medicine.
Dr. Nisha Sajnani, a professor at NYU and co-director of the Jameel Arts and Health Lab, said, “If we really want to lower disease rates worldwide, we need to treat the arts as an important part of public health.
Creative programs are low-cost and can be used in many places. They also help people learn healthy habits and make healthcare more equal for everyone.”
The study found that arts programs make health education more fun, easier to remember, and more personal. Whether it’s a play about healthy eating, a dance group that encourages exercise, or a gardening program that brings people together, these creative activities help health messages stick.
Another big finding: people are more likely to keep coming back to programs that are fun and social. Arts programs also help make health campaigns fit better with local cultures. For example, community dances or gardens that reflect people’s culture can make it easier for them to understand and follow health advice.
Most of the research so far comes from wealthy countries, and we still need to learn how long the benefits last. But this study clearly shows that using the arts can be a powerful and practical way to prevent disease and promote health all around the world.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about high blood pressure treatment: ARBs vs. ACE inhibitors and blood pressure response to exercise can predict future heart disease.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about This daily food is very important for blood pressure and heart health and Common blood pressure medication may have harmful side effects.
The study is published in Nature Medicine.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
