How museums and shows help prolong your life

According to research published on the last day 18 in the scientific journal The BMJ, people who visit museums, art galleries, theaters and concerts usually live longer. The work was conducted by scientists at University College London.

The study was based on information given by more than 6,000 English adults, all aged 50 and over. The frequency of the practice of artistic activities among the participants was measured between 2004 and 2005. Subsequently, each of them was accompanied by an average of 12 years, during which their mortality was recorded by the researchers.

Through the analysis of the data collected, the scientists concluded that individuals who participated in art-related programs once or twice a year were 14% less likely to die during the follow-up period than those who never Did. Compared to people who practice artistic activities more than three times a year (once every two or three months, for example) had a 31% lower mortality rate.

According to the article, one hypothesis is that the results found are mainly due to the different levels of cognition, mental health and physical exercise practiced by those who do not engage with art. Still, the same conclusions were found when factors such as mobility and wealth problems were taken out of account.

The study is of the observational type, that is, it does not seek to establish causes for the results found. Therefore, scientists admit, in research, the limitations of the survey. Still, given the large sample size used in the research, this is a very important job, they say.