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Culture linked to improved health
[1] Trips to the theatre, concerts, art galleries and museums have been linked to better health and
wellbeing, according to researchers in Norway.
A report, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, showed the more
often people engaged in cultural activities the greater their health benefits.
[5] The authors suggest culture could be used to promote good health.
The study interviewed 50,797 adults from Norway. They were asked about their health, and
satisfaction with life, as well as levels of anxiety and depression.
They were also questioned about their involvement in two cultural fields: "creative culture" when
the person does something such as play an instrument, paint or sing, and "receptive culture"
[10] including going to galleries and concerts.
Both types of cultural activity were linked with good health, wellbeing, low stress and low
depression even when other factors, such as social background and wealth, were taken into
account.
In men the effect was most pronounced in those who preferred to get their dose of culture as an
[15] observer rather than doing something more hands on.
The authors said: "The results indicate that the use of cultural activities in health promotion and
healthcare may be justified."
The study, however, cannot say that culture improves health. It could be the case that healthier
people are more likely to take part in cultural activities.
[20] Professor Alan Maryon-Davis, spokesperson for the UK Faculty of Public Health, said: "It's
interesting research, probably working through the release of hormones, like endorphins,
increasing the feeling of wellbeing and reducing anxiety and depression."
Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-13501294 24 May 2011 Last updated at 10:46 GMT
GLOSSARY
Engaged: envolvidas, comprometidas
Fields: campos
Health: saúde
Increasing: aumentando
Norway: Noruega
Release: liberação
Research: pesquisa
Spokesperson: porta-voz
Wealth: riqueza
Wellbeing: bem-estar
The relative pronoun “who”, in line 14, refers to
