The arts and humanities increase our healthspan: a new study shows their value:

A new study from University College London found that regular arts and cultural engagement—including visiting galleries, attending concerts, singing and dancing—slows biological aging at the same rate as physical exercise. People who engaged most frequently and across the widest variety of activities were roughly a year younger biologically than those who didn’t. According to the researchers, it is the first study to show arts engagement working at the epigenetic level. The lead author described it as the cultural equivalent of going to the gym….

We already know that chronic stress takes years off our lives. Elevated cortisol raises the risk of heart disease, cognitive decline and accelerates biological aging. Engaging with the arts counters that damage in ways that are now measurable at the biological level.

The social aspect matters too. A study conducted at Manchester Art Gallery found that visitors who discussed what they were seeing with others left feeling more positive, more connected and closer to the people they came with. Modern life pulls us inward. Art pulls us back out toward beauty and toward each other. 

For the study cited, see here.