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Helsinki, Finland — A recent study by postdoctoral researcher Taru-Anneli Koivisto and visiting researcher Taru Tähti from the University of the Arts Helsinki highlights the powerful connection between art, cultural activities, and improved health outcomes across all age groups. Their research, published in the peer-reviewed Finnish Medical Journal Lääkärilehti, demonstrates that engaging in art and culture promotes physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being, benefiting people of all ages, from children to the elderly.
The article reviews 20 key publications spanning from 2014 to 2024, selected from a total of 9,804 references. These studies collectively indicate that art activities such as music, dance, and visual arts can strengthen social networks, reduce stress, and foster a sense of belonging. The research also emphasizes the positive impact on health behaviors, including stress management and improved social relationships.
Cultural Activities as Health Enhancers
Koivisto and Tähti’s review demonstrates that cultural engagement can significantly improve well-being in several key areas: mental health, social connections, and preventative health. The researchers found that cultural prescription programs—initiatives that integrate art into traditional healthcare—helped participants, particularly those who engaged in creative activities for more than 100 hours annually, improve their mental well-being.
“Art and culture have proven to be powerful tools in enhancing both individual and community health,” said Koivisto. “They not only help individuals manage stress but also improve their sense of community, which is a vital factor for overall well-being.”
Creative activities were also found to support the integration of immigrant youth and improve the well-being of residents and employees in care homes. For example, music served as a tool for young people to process emotions and learn the Finnish language, while care home residents saw improvements in mood and social inclusion through participation in arts-based activities.
Addressing Well-being in Various Contexts
The study examined art’s impact on health through five key aspects: social determinants of health, child and youth development, workplace well-being, holistic health promotion, and healthy lifestyles. Art forms considered in the review included music, visual arts, dance, performing arts, literature, and creative methods.
The review also explored how art can support workplace environments, noting that creative workshops and background music helped reduce stress and enhance inclusion, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. For caregivers, creative activities bolstered resilience and fostered a sense of belonging.
Shifting Focus to Preventive Care
One of the main conclusions of the research is the need to shift the focus of health care from illness treatment to proactive, preventative measures. As society faces multiple crises—an aging population, increasing diversity, and limited resources—the need to promote well-being through preventive efforts is more urgent than ever.
“Cultural well-being activities are not medical treatments, but they can be applied within care and healthcare settings,” said Koivisto. “The intrinsic and educational value of art should be emphasized, especially in our times of uncertainty. Art and culture contribute to quality of life in ways that go beyond productivity and efficiency.”
The study calls for further research to explore the meaningful impacts of cultural engagement, as it not only helps prevent illness but also fosters the creation of positive narratives and personal stories.
Looking Ahead
The researchers suggest that integrating art and culture into health strategies could play a key role in supporting diverse populations, enhancing mental health, and preventing disease. As the focus on well-being grows, art and culture are emerging as crucial elements in holistic health approaches.
For more information on the study, you can access the full article through Lääkärilehti at this link.
