Japanese study links frequent cultural participation to slower physiological aging

Researchers from Japan's Institute of Science Tokyo analysed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, which follows nearly 2,000 people aged 50 and over in England. They examined physiological markers such as blood pressure, cholesterol, grip strength and walking speed to calculate a biological‑age score.

The study found that participants who attended cultural activities – such as cinema, museums, galleries, theatre, concerts or opera – every few months or more often had a physiological age about three years younger than those who engaged less frequently. The association persisted after adjusting for income, chronic illness and other factors, and was especially strong among women, higher‑status and employed individuals. Researchers stressed that the work does not prove causation; better health could also enable more cultural involvement. They noted that the effect size is comparable to that of regular physical exercise and suggested that promoting cultural access might support healthier ageing, pending further research.