People who regularly visit art galleries, theatres, museums or attend concerts have a lower risk of dying, according to a new study.
Researchers at the University College of London believe people who engage in the arts might have a longer life as engaging in the activity stimulates the brain.
The study followed more than 6,000 adults in England, aged 50 years and over for 14 years.
After taking in a range of economic, health and social factors, they found people who engaged in the arts once or twice a year had a 14 percent lower risk of dying at any time than those who have never engaged.
The study also revealed people who occupied themselves with activities in the arts every few months had a 31 percent lower risk of dying.
"These results are important given the current focus on social prescribing schemes - a key plinth of UK government health policy - that refer people to community arts activities to improve their health and wellbeing," says the researchers.
Researchers saw the most change in people aged 65.
Gender did not make a difference in the study.
Previous studies have found that engaging with the arts can improve a person's physical and mental wellbeing, including depression, dementia, chronic pain, and frailty.
But researchers have said whether arts engagement can improve survival remains unclear.
