Getting older is something everyone experiences, but people do not all age at the same speed. Two people who are both 70 years old may have very different levels of health.
One may still enjoy walking, travelling, and social activities, while another may struggle with everyday tasks.
Scientists often describe this difference as physiological age, which reflects how well the body is functioning rather than simply counting the number of birthdays a person has celebrated.
A new study from the Institute of Science Tokyo suggests that one simple habit may be linked with slower biological aging: taking part in cultural activities.
Going to the cinema, visiting museums or art galleries, or attending concerts, theaters, or the opera may be associated with a younger and healthier body.
The findings were published online in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.
Researchers analyzed information from 1,899 adults who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, a long-running project that follows adults aged 50 years and older living across England. Participants were assessed on at least two occasions between 2004 and 2009.
Instead of looking only at age, the researchers measured ten indicators of physical health, including blood pressure, lung function, cholesterol, blood sugar, grip strength, walking speed, body weight, and several blood markers. Together these measurements were used to estimate each person’s physiological age.
The participants also answered questions about how often they went to cultural events. They reported how frequently they visited cinemas, museums, art galleries, theaters, concerts, or the opera. People who took part in these activities every few months or more were considered to have higher cultural engagement.
The results showed a clear pattern. People who regularly enjoyed cultural activities had an average physiological age of 66.9 years, while those who rarely took part had an average physiological age of 69.9 years. Even after taking income, employment, and chronic illnesses into account, every one-point increase in cultural engagement score was linked to a slightly younger physiological age.
The researchers believe cultural activities may improve health in several ways. They often encourage people to leave home, walk, stay mentally active, meet friends, reduce loneliness, and experience positive emotions. These factors may improve mental well-being, encourage healthier lifestyles, and support healthier aging.
However, the study cannot prove that cultural activities directly slow aging. It is also possible that healthier people simply find it easier to attend concerts or museums. More research is needed to determine whether encouraging cultural participation can directly improve health over many years.
Even with this limitation, the findings are encouraging because cultural engagement is something many people can add to their lives. The researchers suggest improving access to cultural venues and making tickets more affordable so that more people can benefit.
Overall, this research reminds us that healthy aging may involve much more than medicine and exercise alone. Staying socially connected, mentally curious, and involved in enjoyable community activities may also help people remain healthier as they grow older.
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