About the book
From the very beginning of life through old age, participation in the arts has profound benefits for our health and overall well-being. Music helps shape the developing brains of children, while creative hobbies keep our minds strong and more resistant to dementia. Activities such as dance and magic can form new neural connections for individuals recovering from brain injuries. Both art and music can function much like medicine, easing depression, stress, and pain and lessening our reliance on pharmaceuticals. Attending live concerts, visiting museums and exhibitions, or going to the theater can also lower the likelihood of experiencing loneliness and physical decline later in life. Involvement in the arts supports the performance of all major organ systems and may even contribute to a longer lifespan.
These claims are not exaggerated—they are grounded in science. They draw on decades of research incorporating evidence from neuroimaging, molecular biomarkers, wearable technology, cognitive testing, and electronic health records. Written by Professor Daisy Fancourt—an acclaimed scientist, science communicator, and director of the World Health Organization’s Collaborating Centre for Arts and Health—this book promises to transform how you appreciate and incorporate the arts into everyday life. It also provides practical guidance on how to choose the right artistic activities, at the right times, to support your health objectives. The arts are far more than a luxury; they are a fundamental part of a healthy life.