Going to the movies may slow aging – study
A study by the Tokyo Institute of Science found that regular attendance at cultural events (museums, theaters, cinema) may slow biological aging. Analysis of data from 1,899 participants over 50 showed that high cultural activity was linked to a biological age of 66.9 years versus 69.9 years for low activity. Each additional activity point reduced biological age by about 31 days. The effect is comparable to regular physical exercise. Authors note limitations, including possible reverse causation.
A new study by researchers at the Tokyo Institute of Science (Japan) suggests that regular visits to museums, theaters, concerts, and cinemas may slow physiological aging. The results were published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. The researchers analyzed data from 1,899 participants aged 50 and older from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). They measured 10 key body parameters, including blood pressure, respiratory function, blood tests, and physical fitness. Participants filled out questionnaires about how often they attended cultural events, which formed an activity scale from 0 to 15 points. Results showed that people with high cultural activity had an average biological age of 66.9 years, while those with low activity had 69.9 years. Each additional point of cultural activity reduced biological age by about 31 days, even after accounting for income, employment, and chronic diseases. The authors noted that the benefit of cultural activity is comparable to regular physical exercise. They believe cultural events reduce stress, strengthen social ties, stimulate cognitive function, and motivate an active lifestyle. However, they acknowledge limitations: the sample is relatively small, and there is a possibility of reverse causation—people in good health may simply have more opportunities to attend cultural events.