Active and receptive arts participation and their association with mortality among adults in the United States: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to explore associations between active and receptive arts participation and all-cause mortality among adults in the United States population.

Study design: This was a prospective cohort study.

Methods: Data were derived from the Health and Retirement Study. Separate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed for two cohorts (2012 and 2014) to examine associations between arts participation and mortality.

Results: Independent of sociodemographic and health factors, participants aged ≥65 years had a higher mortality risk if they did not engage in music listening, hazard ratio (HR) 1.39 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-1.71); singing/playing an instrument, HR 1.49 (95% CI: 1.07-2.0); or doing arts and crafts, HR 1.39 (95% CI: 1.00-1.92). For participants aged <65 years, there was a higher mortality risk if they did not listen to music, HR 1.79 (95% CI: 1.07-3.01). Older participants from the 2014 cohort had a higher mortality risk if they did not engage in active arts, HR 1.73 (95% CI: 1.08-2.77).

Conclusions: Engagement in the arts was associated with lower risk of mortality even after risk adjustment, especially for adults aged ≥65 years. Greater access and integration of arts in everyday life is recommended.