Cultural engagement linked to slower physiological ageing in older adults

Older adults who regularly attend cultural events such as concerts, museums and the cinema show signs of ageing more slowly at a biological level, according to new research using data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA).

The study, led by researchers at University College London, found that people who engaged with cultural activities every few months or more had a biological age that was around two years younger relative to their chronological age than those who never took part. The association persisted over time, with similar differences observed four and eight years later.

Drawing on data from more than 4,400 adults aged over 50, the researchers examined whether cultural engagement is linked not just to better health outcomes, but to the pace of biological ageing itself. They used a validated index of physiological age based on biomarkers and measures of physical function, including blood pressure, inflammation, lung capacity and grip strength.

The findings suggest that regular cultural engagement is associated with slower ageing processes, even after accounting for differences in wealth, education, health behaviours and existing conditions. Participants who attended cultural activities frequently appeared on average biologically 2.2 years younger relative to their actual age than those who did not engage at all.

The pattern held across different types of activity. Going to theatre performances or live music events showed the strongest association, followed by cinema visits and trips to museums or exhibitions. In each case, regular attendees appeared biologically younger than non-attendees.

The study also found evidence of a dose-response relationship, with more frequent engagement linked to greater benefits, although gains appeared to level off at higher levels of participation. The associations were somewhat stronger among those aged under 65.

Previous research has linked cultural engagement to lower risks of depression, cognitive decline, frailty and premature death. This study extends that evidence by suggesting a connection with underlying physiological ageing processes.

The authors note that the relationship is likely to be bidirectional. Healthier individuals may be more able to engage in cultural activities, while participation itself may support healthier ageing through social interaction, cognitive stimulation and physical activity. However, the persistence of the findings over time, including after adjusting for baseline health, strengthens the case for a meaningful link.

The analysis used a “doubly robust” statistical approach designed to reduce bias and approximate the conditions of a randomised trial. A range of sensitivity tests found the results to be consistent across different model specifications.

The researchers say the findings could help inform future interventions aimed at supporting healthy ageing, particularly in midlife. They also highlight the potential for cultural engagement to be considered alongside other health-related behaviours.

Fancourt, D., Finn, S., Mak, H. W., Steptoe, A. and Bloomberg, M. (2026) ‘Cultural engagement is related to decelerated physiological age: doubly robust estimations in a national cohort study’, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1557(1), e70232. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.70232

Photo by Burcu Elmas