Music is perhaps one of the most universally shared experiences of mankind. You would be hard-pressed to find someone that didn’t like music, or someone whose life had never been touched or changed by music.
Now, in a recent study, scientists have found just how far the experience of music can change and improve our lives for the better.
In a study carried out by O2, researchers discovered that by simply going to a concert every two weeks, you could add nine years to your life.
Behavioral science expert, Patrick Fagan leads the study, and found a positive correlation “between regularity of gig attendance and well-being,” and “additional scholarly research directly links high levels of well-being with a lifespan increase of nine years.”
According to the study’s claims, if you attend a concert for just 20 minutes, your well-being is increased by 21%. Going even further, the study asserts that key markers across the happiness spectrum also increase, including our feelings of self-worth, closeness to others, and mental stimulation.
And while listening to music won’t allow you to live forever, well-being has been linked to lifespan. Put simply, a happier life tends to be a longer life.
This study has received a lot of controversies, as the study was used by the O2 concert venue to promote ticket sales. However, on a very base level, if you enjoy music and shows, and want to attend them, I wouldn’t let skeptics hold you back. If you truly enjoy music and shows, then you will see an overall enhancement in your well-being, which could ultimately allow you to live longer. And if it doesn’t, at least you can say that you got the see your favorite artists and experience life fully.