Can Art Really Make You Live Longer? The Surprising Link Between Creativity and Longevity

We all want to live longer and healthier—but what if the answer isn’t just in diet or exercise, but in your creative life? Groundbreaking research now shows that regular engagement with the arts is linked to longer life expectancy, better health, and greater happiness at every age.

Large-scale studies have found that people who regularly attend concerts, paint, join choirs, or participate in creative groups have up to 31% lower risk of early death compared to those who don’t engage in the arts. The reasons are many: art reduces stress, builds cognitive reserve, strengthens social bonds, and gives life meaning. In places like Scandinavia and Japan, arts engagement is a key part of public health strategy for healthy aging. 1

But you don’t have to be a professional artist to benefit. Small, regular doses of creativity—what researchers call 'microdosing aesthetics'—add up over time. Try coloring, singing, or dancing for just a few minutes a day. Join a local group or start a creative project with friends. These simple acts not only boost mood and brain health, but also foster connection and purpose—two of the strongest predictors of longevity.

As we age, staying creative keeps the mind sharp and the heart open. Whether you’re nine or ninety, it’s never too late to start. So pick up a brush, sing a song, or join a dance—your future self will thank you.

References: WHO Arts & Health Series, National Institutes of Health, Frontiers in Psychology, Creative Aging Resource Center.