Researchers found that people who go to live concerts and museums live longer than those who do not. Experts from a London university looked at over 6,700 British people for 15 years. They examined how often the people went out and where they went. They found that over-50s who regularly went to concerts were around 30 per cent less likely to die in the next 14 years. The over-50s could lengthen their life by looking at "receptive arts". These include art galleries, concerts, museums, musicals, and the opera and theatre. In addition, concertgoers could have more fun.
The lead researcher said money was important in whether or not people went to concerts. She wrote: "Over 40 per cent of people in the least wealthy group reported that they never accessed cultural activities." The UK Health Secretary believes the research. He said arts and culture could improve things like mental health, ageing and loneliness. The UK's National Health Service will use the arts to improve people's wellbeing and health. The researchers said: "Our results highlight the importance of continuing to explore new social factors that affect our health."