A study conducted by O2 and behavioral science expert Patrick Fagan found that attending concerts regularly can add up to 9 years to your life. Based on the logic that seeing live music increases feelings of self-worth, closeness to others, and mental stimulation. All of these factors directly contribute to one’s sense of well-being.
According to this 2018 study, there is a “positive correlation between regularity of gig attendance and well-being.” Not to mention that “additional scholarly research directly links high levels of wellbeing with a lifespan increase of nine years.”
These feelings were measured using psychometric testing and heart-rate tests. The study concluded that experiencing a show for just 20 minutes can result in a 21% increase in feelings of well-being. “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%.” It also advises that one concert every two weeks is the sweet spot to get “happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem at the highest level.”
While listening to music solo can create the same feelings of joy and happiness, it’s the communal experience that makes concert attendance so effective. So it may be worth braving your local dive bar for 20 minutes every two weeks, for the sake of your health. Who knows, you may even find some great new local acts.
For full disclosure, even though Fagan is an expert in behavioral science and an Associate Lecturer at Goldsmith’s University, this study was done in conjunction with O2, which is a concert venue, meaning it has a pretty obvious bias. But before you throw the whole study out, keep in mind other studies also back up their findings.
In 2016, a study in Australia found that people who regularly attend concerts are happier about their lives overall. Researchers at Victoria’s Deakin University surveyed 1,000 Australians and found that people who attend communal musical experiences reported higher levels of satisfaction with their lives. Once again emphasizes the live music aspect.
Even if both studies conclusions are wrong, we can certainly think of less pleasant ways to increase your life span.
