The fun activities that can trick your body into aging slower
Engaging in arts and cultural activities like singing, dancing, and visiting museums may slow biological aging, according to a new study. The research found that regular participation in such activities was associated with a slower aging rate, comparable to or greater than the benefits of weekly exercise. Effects were most pronounced among adults aged 40 and older who varied their activities.
- ▪The study analyzed over 3,500 adults in the UK and used epigenetic clocks to measure biological aging.
- ▪Weekly engagement in arts and cultural activities was linked to a 4% slower aging rate and a biological age one year younger on average.
- ▪Participating in a variety of activities provided greater benefits than repeating the same activity, possibly due to diverse cognitive, physical, and social stimulation.
- ▪The findings remained significant after adjusting for factors like BMI, diet, and exercise.
- ▪Researchers suggest arts engagement should be recognized as a health-promoting behavior similar to physical activity.
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Health The fun activities that can trick your body into aging slower By McKenzie Beard Published May 16, 2026, 10:18 a.m. ET Forget the fountain of youth — the secret to staying young may lie in how you spend your free time. New research has identified a series of fun activities that appear to help slow how quickly the body ages, with effects similar to those linked to exercise. But don’t expect one afternoon to turn back the clock. The strongest effects were seen in people who did them regularly and mixed up their day-to-day routines. 3 Engaging with various activities may help slow down wear and tear on the body, a new study suggests.
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