# UK study of 3,556 adults links weekly arts engagement to slower biological ageing by DNA markers

- Published: 2026-11-07 20:43 UTC
- Section: Life & Health › Biology & biochemistry
- Tags: biological ageing, DNA markers, PhenoAge, arts and health, Daisy Fancourt, University College London, longevity, observational study
- URL: https://realtech.media/news/rt-6f7f6be5de124cd69fab3cd6_uk_study_of/

**In an observational study in Innovation in Aging, adults engaging with the arts weekly had a lower pace of biological ageing by DNA markers. The data show an association, not a cause.**

![UK study of 3,556 adults links weekly arts engagement to slower biological ageing by DNA markers](https://realtech.media/media/2026/11/020bcdd4d8340595.jpg)
*Shaibariheis, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0*

A study published on 11 May 2026 in Innovation in Aging compared the habits of 3,556 adult residents of the UK with their blood test results, according to well. Prof. Daisy Fancourt of University College London is among its co-authors. Engaging with the arts at least once a week was associated with slower biological ageing [1].

The researchers looked at chemical markers on DNA whose pattern changes with age. These markers make it possible to estimate the biological age of the body and the pace at which it ages [1].

## What counted as contact with the arts

The authors included both active pursuits, such as singing, dancing and photography, and visits to exhibitions, libraries and historic sites. Participants were asked how often they took part and whether they had a single favourite activity or turned to several different ones [1].

## Differences in ageing measures

Among people who reported such activities at least weekly, one of the measures showed a pace of ageing lower by several percent than among those who did them once or twice a year at most. According to the study, this difference was similar to the one observed between people who exercise weekly and those who do not. It was more pronounced from age 40, including after adjustment for income, education, smoking and BMI [1].

In another test used, PhenoAge, people with weekly contact with the arts had a biological age lower on average by nearly one year than those who rarely visited museums, painted or sang [1].

## Possible explanations

Fancourt notes that artistic activities have different components. Group singing offers social contact, dance involves movement, and painting engages attention and emotion. In this analysis, a greater variety of activities was also linked to better results, which fits her assumption that the arts may support health in several ways at once [1].

Some artistic activities help reduce stress. Because long-term stress is associated with faster biological ageing, the authors consider whether this could explain part of the observed differences. Earlier studies also pointed to a link between the arts and reduced inflammation [1].

The work compares self-reported habits with blood markers, so it describes an association between them.

## Sources

1. [well](https://www.well.pl/life/148/naukowcy_odkryli_prosty_sposob_na_dlugowiecznosc_polecaja_robic_to_co_najmniej_raz_w_tygodniu,26798.html)

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Source: RealTech, realtech.media — https://realtech.media/news/rt-6f7f6be5de124cd69fab3cd6_uk_study_of/