Study: Frequent Concert Attendance Can Increase Your Lifespan

Gosh, I wish we’d known this when I was in high school and I had to sneak out to go to shows when I was supposed to be doing homework.

A recent scientific study commissioned by O2 and conducted by Patrick Fagan, a behavioral scientist and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmith University, asserts that spending just twenty minutes will increase one’s feelings of wellbeing by 21%… which, in turn, could increase one’s life by as much as nine years:

“The findings come off the back of bespoke psychometric and heart-rate tests at a range of wellbeing activities – including gig-going, yoga and dog walking. The gig experience increased participants feelings of wellbeing by 21% – 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%.

“Accompanying research showed a positive correlation between regularity of gig attendance and wellbeing. Those who attend live concerts once a fortnight and more were the most likely to score their happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem at the highest level (10/10), suggesting that regularly experiencing live music is the key to building a long-standing improvement to wellbeing.”

Is any of that actually true? No idea! Again, keep in mind that this study was commissioned by O2, a venue. In other words, it’s in their best interest to convince you that going to shows is good for you. Regardless, it’s nice to have this one in your back pocket in case you ever do need to justify going to so many shows.

[via NME]