Study links arts to health

Older people who participated in arts programmes were found to have fewer doctor visits, fewer falls and hip damage and lower…

Older people who participated in arts programmes were found to have fewer doctor visits, fewer falls and hip damage and lower levels of medication than those who didn't in a US.

The study, which was based in the Centre on Aging, Health and Humanities, George Washington University also found the older people who participated in a variety of art activities were also less depressed and less lonely and had a higher morale that those in the control group. "Participants not only maintained their health but they actually improved it," said project director, Gene Cohen. The group of 75 older adults, average age 80, sings at least once a week in a choir.