Culture makes men healthier

Tuesday May 24th, 2011

Men who enjoy cultural activities tend to be happier and healthier than others, researchers said today.

Visiting art galleries, the theatre and museums all seem to be linked to well-being, according to Norwegian researchers.

People who play music and paint also enjoy good health - but not as much as those who take pleasure in watching others perform, according to the study of more than 50,000 adults.

And men seem to benefit more than women from high culture, the researchers found.

Women seemed to benefit from sporting activities, the researchers found.

One possible explanation is that access to 'high' culture is linked to wealth - but the researchers say their findings take account of economic status.

The findings are reported today in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

Led by Dr Koenraad Cuypers, of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Åsenfjord, Norway, the researchers write: "The results indicate that the use of cultural activities in health promotion and health care may be justified."

Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health May 24 2011 doi:10.1136/jech.2010.113571

Tags: Europe | General Health | Men’s Health | Mental Health

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