The hardest part of living is the end. We are constantly seeking jobs that pay the rent, relationships that last, and to live life to the fullest. Sometimes it’s exhausting while other times it’s exhilarating. Wherever you are in life, know that at some point mortality checks you. But there is one thing you can add to your life regimen to increase your lifespan: attending live concerts.
That’s right! Based on new research by O2 and Goldsmith’s University Associate Lecturer Patrick Fagan, attending gigs can actually help you live longer. Just 20 minutes of live music can lead to a 21 percent increase in the feeling of well-being. No more $4 kombucha, crazily overpriced yoga memberships or Tony Robbins. This study also directly links high levels of well-being with a lifespan increase of nine years. The correlation between attending concerts and how long you live is evident, it seems.
Participants took part in psychometric testing and heart rate tests during three recreational activities. They were attending shows, doing yoga and walking the dog. Concerts increased feelings of self-worth (25 percent), closeness to others (25 percent), and mental stimulation (75 percent). “Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of…well-being – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key,” Fagan said. He concluded that a live show every now and then could give us a decade more of life.
Plus, there is more evidence that enjoying music in any mode can increase your happiness. A 2013 study found Finland children who participated in singing classes had higher satisfaction rates at school. A team at the University of Missouri discovered that upbeat music had a significantly positive effect on well-being. Their findings published in the Journal of Positive Psychology. We’re not saying it’s a cheap habit, but you can certainly add it to your list of things to do. It’s good news for the little things that keep us moving forward.
