TO LIVE LONGER, ONE SURPRISING FACTOR MATTERS AS MUCH AS EXERCISE

Fact checked by Jennifer Klump

Key Takeaways

• A 2026 study found that leisure activities, such as visiting museums, reading, or walking with friends, were linked to slower biological aging and greater longevity.
• Leisure activities may benefit physical health, brain health, stress levels, and psychological well-being in ways similar to exercise.
• While they are not a replacement for exercise, adding leisure activities to a healthy routine may help support healthy aging.

Research suggests that participating in leisure activities, such as visiting museums, crafting, reading, and listening to music, may support healthy aging as much as regular exercise.

Leisure Activities May Slow Biological Aging, Similar to Exercise

A 2026 study published in the journal Innovation in Aging found that participating in arts and cultural activities may help slow biological aging. Researchers analyzed data from more than 3,500 adults in the United Kingdom and compared leisure activity habits with biological aging, a measure of how quickly the body ages at the cellular level.

The study showed that people who regularly engaged in leisure activities, including painting, listening to music, visiting museums, and attending cultural events, aged slower those who rarely did so. The effect was especially strong for people over 40, suggesting that adding fun activities in middle age can support a longer, healthier life.

Other studies have found similar results. In a large study of adults over 65, those who often engaged in hobbies and leisure activities were more likely to remain physically healthy, maintain mental sharpness, and feel emotionally well over time.

Why Leisure Activities Matter for Healthy Aging

Leisure activities often combine mental stimulation, movement, stress relief, and social connection. These factors are all linked to healthy aging and improved long-term health. Evidence suggests leisure activities may help:

• Encourage social interaction
• Improve mood and psychological health
• Increase daily movement
• Lower feelings of loneliness and isolation
• Promote a greater sense of purpose and life satisfaction
• Reduce stress levels
• Support brain health and memory

Research also shows that older adults who stay socially and mentally active may have a lower risk of conditions like dementia, heart disease, stroke, and depression. Participating in enjoyable activities can also help people manage stress and life changes as they get older.

The Best Leisure Activities for Longevity

A wide range of leisure activities may benefit healthy aging, especially activities that keep people mentally, physically, and socially engaged. Examples of leisure activities linked to healthy aging include:

• Crafting or knitting
• Dancing
• Gardening
• Joining community groups
• Learning new skills or languages
• Playing cards or board games
• Playing music
• Reading
• Swimming
• Visiting museums or cultural events
• Volunteering
• Walking with friends

Activities do not need to feel intense or highly structured to support health. Even participating a few times per month may offer benefits, though weekly engagement is most strongly associated with healthy aging.

How To Add More Leisure Activities to Your Routine

Many adults struggle to make time for hobbies because work, caregiving, and daily responsibilities take priority. Starting with small, enjoyable activities that fit into your schedule and lifestyle can make it easier to add leisure time to your routine.

Simple ways to add more leisure time include:

• Attending community events
• Joining a local book club or hobby group
• Replacing some screen time with a hands-on hobby
• Scheduling one creative activity each week
• Spending time gardening on weekends
• Taking a short daily walk with a friend or family member
• Trying a beginner class for art, music, or dance
• Visiting parks and museums

Regular exercise still plays an important role in longevity. One study found that older adults who regularly participated in leisure-time physical activities, such as golf, racquet sports, walking, swimming, and cycling, had a lower risk of death during a 12-year period.

Read the original article on Verywell Health

2026-06-11T13:03:37Z