Could a trip to the movies or museum help you age better?

Going to a museum, attending a concert or catching a movie may do more than provide entertainment.

A recent study found that older adults who regularly participated in cultural activities appeared biologically younger than those who rarely took part. Researchers discovered that people who frequently attended museums, theaters, concerts and cinemas had physiological ages that were about three years younger, on average, than less frequent participants.

While the findings don’t prove that cultural activities directly slow aging, they add to growing evidence that staying socially and culturally engaged may support healthy aging.

“Healthy aging is an important topic that a lot of people are interested in, and it is also a very broad concept,” says Dr. Bora You, a geriatrician and family medicine physician with Aurora Health Care. “I don’t think healthy aging is simply about having good blood pressure or cholesterol numbers. To me, healthy aging is really about maintaining the ability to function and participate in the community.”

Why staying engaged matters

Researchers believe cultural activities may support healthy aging in several ways, including fostering social connections and supporting better mental health. The study’s authors suggest healthier habits may play a role.

“When people picture someone in their 90s, they may imagine someone who is very frail,” Dr. You says. “While that can be the case, I have also met quite a number of people in their 90s who appear and function much younger than some people in their 60s or 70s. I always find myself asking them, ‘What’s your secret?’ I have noticed the same pattern over and over again: They stay active.”

Staying engaged can offer benefits beyond simply filling time, too. Social and cultural activities provide opportunities to learn, interact with others and maintain meaningful routines, Dr. You adds.

They may also help older adults maintain a sense of purpose and connection, which can become increasingly important as physical limitations and life changes make social interactions less frequent.

“When older adults remain socially and culturally connected, they have more opportunities to feel understood, valued and needed,” Dr. You says.

Making it easier to stay engaged

Even so, remaining socially and culturally active as you get older isn’t always easy. Transportation challenges, health conditions and mobility limitations can make it harder for older adults to participate in activities they enjoy.

That’s why Dr. You encourages family members and communities to look for ways to help older adults stay connected. Sometimes that means helping continue hobbies they’ve always enjoyed. In other cases, technology, community programs and senior centers can provide opportunities to stay engaged.

“As a geriatrician, I think one of our most important roles is to help people think proactively about how they can maintain their independence safely and for as long as possible,” Dr. You says.

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