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Going to gigs is not only good for you, but it could extend your life

A new university study says that going to see live music can help you live longer.

The report, which comes to us from Goldsmith’s University Associated Lecturer Patrick Fagan (an expert in behavioral science) says that experiencing a gig for just twenty minutes can result in a 21% increase in feelings of well-being. Extrapolating that, high levels of well-being are directly linked to increased lifespans–of up to nine years, too. Ergo, it’s not too far of a leap to say that going to concerts can help you live longer.

If we go deeper into the study, we learn that going to gigs increases your feeling of self-worth, helps you form closer bonds to other people and provides a ton of mental stimulation.

So what’s the right dosage? About one gig every two weeks. That seems to be the sweet spot for scoring “happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem at the highest level.”

And don’t think you can just get away with listening to music in private at home. Over two-thirds of those surveyed say that “experiencing live music makes them feel happier than simply listening to music at home – showcasing that the shared experience, which performed so strongly in the research, is key to increasing well-being.”

Here’s a quote from Fagan:

Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key. 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.

Just one caveat: This study was commissioned by O2 in London, the world’s most popular and entertainment venue. They’ve sold more than 20 million concert tickets since the place opened in 2007. Think they’ve got a dog in his hunt?

 

Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

Alan Cross has 37980 posts and counting. See all posts by Alan Cross

2 thoughts on “Going to gigs is not only good for you, but it could extend your life

  • Hey Alan! I’m not sure if your photo for this article was a test or not. I ran across it a few weeks back. If you take a closer look it is farm combines in a cotton field. Anyway, I got a chuckle out of it. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Right! Except that I forgot about that. Must change it now…

      Reply

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