Arts participation reduces poor health and inequality
Tuesday November 12th, 2019
Taking part in activities such as singing and dancing from a young age can reduce social inequalities and encourage healthy behaviour, according to the world’s largest review into the health benefits of the arts.
The report by UCL and the World Health Organisation reviewed more than 3,000 studies and focuses on the importance of involving the arts sector in health delivery and health policy.
Lead author, Dr Daisy Fancourt, associate professor of psychobiology & epidemiology, UCL Epidemiology and Health Care, said: “Much of the research in this area has focused on the role of the arts in the treatment of illness.
“This report also highlights that engagement with the arts can affect social determinants of health, improving social cohesion and reducing social inequalities and inequities. Crucially, the arts can support the prevention of illness and promotion of good health.”
It also examines how the arts can improve engagement with primary healthcare, such as visual art on walls at GP surgeries, which have been found to reduce patient anxiety and calming music in dental surgeries, which can help anxiety, blood pressure and stress hormones.
The researchers have drafted a number of policy recommendations for WHO and its member states, which include ensuring arts provision in communities is accessible and supporting arts organisations in making health and wellbeing part of their strategies.
Dr Piroska Östlin, WHO interim regional director for Europe, said: “Bringing art into people’s lives through activities including dancing, singing, and going to museums and concerts offers an added dimension to how we can improve physical and mental health.
“The examples cited in this ground-breaking WHO report show ways in which the arts can tackle ‘wicked’ or complex health challenges such as diabetes, obesity and mental ill health. They consider health and well-being in a broader societal and community context - and offer solutions that common medical practice has so far been unable to address effectively.”
Among the case studies cited is Scotland Men’s Sheds, community-based places designed to connect men within their communities, through activities such as woodwork, gardening, pottery, photography, art and other social activities. As well as a ten-fold social return on investment, benefits have included skills acquisition, social belonging, enhanced wellbeing, increased self-esteem, a greater sense of self-worth and cognitive stimulation.
Fancourt D, Finn S. WHO Health Evidence Synthesis Report: Cultural Contexts of Health: The role of the arts in improving health.
Tags: Fitness | General Health | UK News | World Health
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