The art of life and death: 14 year follow-up analyses of associations between arts engagement and mortality in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

This longitudinal study explores the association between different frequencies of arts engagement (going to museums, art galleries, exhibitions, theatres, concerts or the opera) and mortality as observed over a period of 14 years. Ageing was observed in 6710 adults aged 50 years (baseline in 2004-2005). According to the study, arts engagement, cultural participation could have a protective association that favors longevity. Results are independent of demographic, socioeconomic, health related, behavioral and social factors.