Engaging in Arts and Physical Activity Encourages Lower Age: Panama City Photo

 

This photo was taken
from some ruins
overlooking Panama City
Consider purchasing, about $50
for most sizes. I can do
framed. Send me
message  muradabel@gmail.com 

If you ever wanted to feel a little younger and live a little healthier, research suggests that engaging in the arts and physical activity may actually help slow aspects of the body’s aging process. The study below examined adults who participated in arts engagement and physical activity and found associations with healthier biological aging markers.

In my own case, I enjoy photography, and whenever I can afford to travel, I like exploring new places outdoors. A lot of the time that means hiking, diving, or simply spending time in nature while taking photographs. Activities like these combine creativity, movement, and mental engagement, which may all contribute to better long-term health.

The researchers found that adults over 40 who regularly engaged in artistic and cultural activities, along with physical activity, generally showed healthier aging patterns than those who did not participate as often. In that sense, art can become more than just entertainment or self-expression; it can also be part of a broader wellness strategy.

Other research has also suggested that artistic engagement helps build cognitive connections in the brain and may improve neurological functioning. Taken together, the physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits of art and activity may play an important role in supporting healthier aging over time.

About half of profits go to charities and the other half I go eat lunch and support this writing. My Arts Page and My Gallery. muradabel@gmail.com

Does Leisure Activity Matter for Epigenetic Ageing? Analyses of Arts Engagement and Physical Activity in the UK Household Longitudinal Study

• The study examined whether arts and cultural engagement (ACEng) and physical activity (PA) are associated with slower biological aging.
• Researchers used data from 3,556 adults in the UK Household Longitudinal Study collected between 2010–2012.
• The analysis focused on seven epigenetic “aging clocks,” which estimate biological aging at the cellular level.
• Both arts engagement and physical activity were linked to slower epigenetic aging in several key aging measures, including PhenoAge, DunedinPoAm, and DunedinPACE.
• The effects of arts engagement were comparable in magnitude to the effects of physical activity.
• Different forms of participation mattered, including frequency, diversity, and level of engagement in activities.
• The associations were generally stronger among adults aged 40 and older.
• The findings suggest that arts and cultural engagement may contribute to healthy aging and could be considered in future public health strategies.

Fancourt, D., Masebo, L., Finn, S., Mak, H. W., & Bu, F. (2026). Does leisure activity matter for epigenetic ageing? Analyses of arts engagement and physical activity in the UK Household Longitudinal Study. Innovation in Aging, igag038. https://doi.org/10.1093/geroni/igag038