More trips to the museum or theater can mean fewer trips to the doctor, too.
This article is reprinted by permission from NextAvenue.org. It is part of the Vitality Arts Special Report.
Research shows that both active and passive cultural engagement are strong antidotes to depression. A study of the effect of professionally conducted, community-based cultural programs on the physical and mental health of older adults in the U.S. found that those who engaged in active cultural pursuits regularly enjoyed better overall physical health, fewer doctor visits, less medication usage, fewer falls, less loneliness and better morale one year later, versus those who didn’t.
Over the next 10 years, roughly 29% of the people studied experienced depression, determined either by a doctor’s diagnosis or self-description using the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale.About one in four people 65 and older in England suffer from depression, it’s estimated, and the rate increases with age. Circumstances like the death of a spouse or partner, fewer social interactions, poor health, worsening economic conditions and living alone are linked to depression.
‘I admire other people’s creativity’ Whether participating or observing, cultural activities offer many benefits, tangible and intangible.Layne Zimmerman, 71, is a retired San Francisco business owner who lives alone, and like Hammond, makes it a point to be involved in the arts . She is a member of SF Film, the Jewish Film Institute and City Arts & Lectures, as well as a frequent attendee at Berkeley Rep, the Marsh and Shotgun Theatre.
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