If you’re a human and alive right now, you’ve no doubt seen an insane range of health and science trends that supposedly extend your lifespan–from getting out in sun, to avoiding the sun at all costs–and a huge range of dietary guidelines, many of which are wholly at odds with one another. However, scientists may have finally stumbled upon one health tip that we can all get behind: going to concerts.
A new scientific study by O2, sponsors of London’s world-famous entertainment venue, The O2; and Patrick Fagan, an expert in behavioral science and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmith’s University, has revealed that attending concerts once every two weeks could increase life expectancy by nine years.
According to the findings detailed by O2’s press release, the study found that “just 20 minutes of gig-time result[ed] in a significant 21% increase in feelings of well being,” with “additional scholarly research directly link[ing] high levels of wellbeing with a lifespan increase of nine years pointing to a direct link between gig-going and longevity.” The release continued:
The findings come off the back of bespoke psychometric and heart-rate tests at a range of well-being activities – including gig-going, yoga and dog walking. The gig experience increased participants feelings of wellbeing by 21% – with key markers across the happiness spectrum showing increases, including feelings of self-worth (+25%) and closeness to others (+25%) whilst mental stimulation climbed by an impressive 75%. Accompanying research showed a positive correlation between regularity of gig attendance and wellbeing. Those who attend live concerts once a fortnight and more were the most likely to score their happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem at the highest level (10/10), suggesting that regularly experiencing live music is the key to building a long-standing improvement to wellbeing.
Notes Fagan, the scientist behind the study, “Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness, and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key. Combining all of our findings with O2’s research, we arrive at a prescription for a gig a fortnight which could pave the way for almost a decade more years of life.”
Given that The O2, a giant music venue, commissioned the scientific study, there are likely some pretty huge biases affecting the study—I mean, the press release announcing the study’s findings was literally being used to link to the venue’s upcoming shows, which invites some pretty warranted skepticism. However, if you’re going to use the study as one more point to justify your show-going habits, then, by all means, be our guest. We certainly are.