Cultural engagement predicts changes in cognitive function in older adults over a 10 year period: findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing
In a recent study undertaken by D. Fancourt and A. Steptoe as reported in the Scientific Reports (2018); 8(1): 10226, an examination of the impact of going to a museum, theater performance, or cinema on our brains was undertaken.
Previous research has suggested that activities we do in our free time, such as reading, gardening, or playing an instrument, can help to slow cognitive decline. The focus of this study, however, was on the impact of receptive cultural engagement, such as going to a museum, theater, or cinema. The investigators examined data from 3,445 older adults who participated in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing over 10 years. They were interested in how visiting a museum or art gallery, attending a theater, concert, or opera, and going to the cinema affects us cognitively.
Results indicated that visiting an art gallery or museum one or more times a year was associated with less decline in memory and semantic fluency (the ability to make associations) over 10 years, while a greater frequency of attending a theater, concert, or opera was related to less decline in memory and semantic fluency. The effect of going to the cinema was less clear. Although going every few months appeared to have a beneficial effect on memory, going more or less often was not beneficial.
The investigators were also interested in how demographic, health, and social activity factors influenced the results. As it turned out, these factors were indeed related to cognitive function, but this relationship did not fully explain the associations between engagement in cultural activities and cognitive function—meaning the above results held true. Interestingly, regardless of whether participants experienced high or low levels of cognitive decline in Year 1, cultural engagement was still beneficial for memory and semantic fluency.
While going to the movies did not appear to have much impact on cognitive health, visiting a museum or art gallery, and attending a theater, concert, or opera were related to better cognition. The investigators suggested that engaging in these activities can enhance cognitive reserve or that these activities are a form of intellectual stimulation that helps keep the brain active and healthy. While there may be other factors to consider, overall cultural engagement seems to be good for the brain.
Some fun ideas for cultural activities in Calgary:
- National Music Centre ($14 Senior Admission)
- Glenbow Museum ($11 Senior Admission) Free the first Thursday of each month
- Esker Foundation (Free Admission)
- Telus Spark Science Centre ($24 Senior Admission)
- Chinese Cultural Centre Museum (Free Admission)
- Inglewood Bird Sanctuary (Free Admission)
- Lougheed House (Free Admission)
- Devonian Gardens (Indoors/Free Admission)
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