A growing body of research suggests the arts may do more than inspire creativity or provide entertainment — they may actually help people age more slowly.
New research from University College London found that people who regularly engage in artistic and cultural activities showed signs of slower biological aging — changes happening at the DNA level that scientists use to measure how quickly the body is aging.
The study analyzed information from more than 3,500 adults in the United Kingdom and compared their arts participation with epigenetic “aging clocks,” which track chemical changes in DNA linked to aging. Researchers found that people who engaged in arts activities weekly aged up to 4% slower biologically than people who rarely participated.
Researchers said the effect was comparable to the difference seen between current smokers and former smokers — and in some measurements, the impact rivaled or even exceeded the benefits linked to regular exercise.
But experts say the real takeaway is not that everyone suddenly needs to become a painter or opera fan.
The bigger point may be stress reduction.
Researchers believe the arts may help slow aging because enjoyable creative activities reduce chronic stress and inflammation — two factors strongly connected to faster aging and disease.
That means forcing yourself into activities you dislike probably misses the point.
“It’s not about suffering through a museum because someone says it’s cultured,” the study discussions suggested. The benefit appears to come from activities people genuinely enjoy and want to continue doing consistently.
For some people, that may mean painting or photography. For others, it could be singing in a church choir, dancing, quilting, attending concerts, listening to jazz, writing poetry, acting in community theater, or visiting libraries and museums.
Even taking in the arts — not just creating them — appeared to matter in the study. Researchers found benefits among both the “doers” of the arts and the people who simply enjoyed concerts, theater performances, museums, cultural festivals, or music.
That broader definition is important because many people don’t think of themselves as “artistic.”
In reality, the arts include a wide range of creative and cultural experiences. Cooking creatively, crafting, storytelling, dancing at family gatherings, learning an instrument later in life, attending local festivals, or simply relaxing with music can all fit within the larger idea of arts engagement.
Researchers also noted that diversity and frequency mattered. People who regularly participated in different kinds of arts activities appeared to see stronger benefits than those who rarely participated.
Scientists caution that the research only shows a connection — not proof that the arts directly slow aging. Participants self-reported their activities, and other healthy lifestyle factors may also play a role.
Still, researchers say the findings are significant because they reinforce something many people already feel instinctively: activities that lower stress, create joy, build social connection, and stimulate the brain may help people stay healthier longer.
And unlike expensive anti-aging treatments or supplements, many artistic activities are accessible, low-cost, and enjoyable.
The message from researchers was surprisingly simple: Find creative activities you truly enjoy — and keep doing them.