Overview
- University College London researchers reported in Innovation in Aging that more than 3,500 UK adults who took part in arts or cultural activities showed slower biological aging on several DNA-based tests.
- Weekly participation was tied to about a 4% slower pace of aging on the DunedinPACE clock and to roughly one year younger biological age on the PhenoAge measure.
- Effects grew with both frequency and variety of activities, and links were strongest in adults aged 40 and older.
- The analysis adjusted for smoking, body weight, income and education, and some older epigenetic clocks did not detect benefits.
- Experts noted the study is observational and cannot prove cause, though the effect size was comparable to weekly exercise and could inform future health programs if trials confirm the link.