TAKING part in artistic events is good for your health, new research carried out in Scotland has found.
The report, carried out by Scottish Government researchers and published today, finds that engaging with culture and sport is not only good for your mind and soul but also your body.
The key finding of the report, entitled Healthy Attendance: The Impact of Cultural Engagement and Sports Participation on Health and Satisfaction with Life in Scotland, is that there is "consistent evidence that people who participate in culture and sport or attend cultural places or events are more likely to report that their health is good and they are satisfied with their life".
This finding, which remains when other factors such as age and economic status have been taken into account, shows that culture and sport is associated with high life satisfaction and good health, the authors say.
Mark O'Neill, director of Policy & Research at Glasgow Life, said: "This is a really ground-breaking piece of work for Scotland - and for the UK.
"It demonstrates, for the first time, a clear association between cultural attendance and improved health and wellbeing.
"It strengthens the case for cultural participation being included in any assessment of life satisfaction - and in any holistic public health strategy."
The study, based on data from the Scottish Household Survey (SHS) 2011, found that people who attended a cultural place or event in the previous 12 months were almost 60 per cent more likely to report good health compared to those who did not.
It also found those who participated in a creative or cultural activity in the previous 12 months were 38 per cent more likely to report good health.
The chances of reporting good health went up by 20% if you had visited a museum or library, and 25% if you had attended a theatre production.
Those who read for pleasure were 33% likely to report good health than those who did not.
The data examined for the report comes from the 14,538 households interviewed for the SHS.
Questions on culture were specifically asked of 9683 adults.
The connection between cultural attendance and health has also been found in recent studies in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Fiona Hyslop, culture secretary for Scotland, said: "This Government is committed to promoting and supporting cultural activities because we recognise and value the potential benefits not only to individuals but also to our communities.
"Cumulatively, this growing evidence base is giving us more insight into the benefits that taking part in cultural and creative activities brings - at every life stage."
Heather Stuart, chair of Vocal, the association of council culture and leisure managers, said: "Those of us who are involved in the delivery of culture and sport services on a daily basis have never been in any doubt about the positive impact they have on peoples' health and wellbeing and quality of life.
"We see it every day.
"Evidence like this needs to inform the longer-term debate about the wider impact of these services and how they contribute to the wellbeing of the population and the priorities of central and local government.
"Their contribution in addressing the key challenges for Scotland around the physical and mental health of the population is clear.
"There is no doubt culture and sport services are effective preventative medicine."
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