Going to museums, theatre may slow ageing: Japanese study
NEW DELHI: Want to age more slowly? The answer may lie not just in exercise and diet, but also in a trip to the theatre, museum or even the cinema. A new study by Japanese researchers has found that older adults who engage more frequently in cultural activities tend to have a lower physiological age—a measure of how well the body's organs and systems are functioning—than their actual age, suggesting cultural engagement may be an overlooked tool for healthy ageing.
Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo analysed 4,207 observations from 1,899 adults aged 50 years and above in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Participants who more frequently visited cinemas, museums, art galleries, theatres, concerts or the opera had lower physiological age. Every one-point increase in cultural engagement score was associated with a 0.085-year reduction in physiological age, even after adjusting for income, health status, employment, smoking, physical activity and other factors. The association persisted in a four-year follow-up analysis.
Physiological age, estimated using 10 markers including blood pressure, lung function, grip strength, walking speed, BMI, haemoglobin, cholesterol and blood sugar, is considered a better predictor of disease and mortality than chronological age. The researchers said cultural engagement may promote healthy ageing by strengthening social connections, reducing loneliness and stress, improving mental well-being and encouraging healthier lifestyles.
Indian experts said the findings reinforce the importance of staying socially engaged as people age. Dr Prasun Chatterjee, Group Clinical Lead, Department of Geriatric Medicine and Longevity Sciences, Apollo Hospitals, and former professor at AIIMS, said the findings reinforce that healthy ageing depends not only on diet and exercise but also on social and cultural engagement. Social interaction improves memory and mood by boosting serotonin and dopamine, enhancing emotional well-being, memory and a sense of purpose, which encourage healthier lifestyles.
In the Indian context, he said, activities such as visiting parks, cinemas, theatres or places of worship can provide similar benefits by promoting happiness, social connection and purpose. Prof Rajesh Sagar, psychiatrist at AIIMS, New Delhi, said social and cultural engagement promotes healthy ageing by strengthening emotional support networks, improving cognitive function and reducing chronic stress.
He said loneliness increases the risk of depression, anxiety and cognitive decline while reducing motivation for physical activity. He advised older adults to stay socially connected by regularly meeting friends and relatives or joining walking groups, book clubs, music classes or spiritual gatherings.
The authors cautioned that the study shows an association, not causation, as healthier people may also be more likely to participate in cultural activities. However, they said improving access to museums, theatres, concerts and other community programmes could complement existing public health strategies for healthy ageing.
