New study claims that going to gigs can help you live longer

We all know that going to gigs is fun – but could it be genuinely good for us, too? 

That’s what a new study, conducted by O2 and Patrick Fagan, expert in behavioural science and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmith’s University, is suggesting. 

It says that just twenty minutes of gig time can result in a 21% increase in feelings of wellbeing, and that further research “directly links high levels of wellbeing with a lifespan increase of nine years” – meaning there could be a direct link between your headbanging seshes and how long you live. 

Participants took part in bespoke psychometric testing and heart-rate tests during a range of wellbeing activities, including attending gigs, doing yoga and dog walking – and gigs increased feelings of self worth (25%), closeness to others (25%) and mental stimulation (75%). 

If you’re a regular gig-goer, we have even better news: those attending concerts once a fortnight are the most likely to score their “happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem at the highest level”. 

“Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key,” said Fagan. “Combining all of our findings with O2’s research, we arrive at a prescription of a gig a fortnight which could pave the way for almost a decade more years of life.”

Although this research found that two thirds (67%) of Brits preferred live music to listening at home, multiple pieces of research over the years have found that music in any form can be great for wellbeing and happiness.

A team from the University of Missouri found that upbeat music had a “significantly positive effect” on wellbeing in a study published in the Journal of Positive Psychology – and a 2013 study in Finland found that children taking part in singing classes had higher satisfaction in school.

One thing though: just don’t take any photos, OK?

(Images: Neon Brand  / Jazmin Quaynor / Unsplash )