Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: The Museum Connection to a Healthy Life

A 5-year study conducted by the Association des Médecins francophones du Canada in partnership with the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts has found that museum visits can promote the recovery and well-being of patients with chronic illnesses, neurological conditions, cognitive disorders, or mental health problems. The study has inspired various museum-based wellness activities, such as museum yoga and guided meditations with works of art. Research in England also suggests that regular visits to cultural venues, including museums, can lower the risk of dementia, depression, and geriatric frailty syndrome. While the physiological response to visual art can lead to reduced stress, further studies are needed to determine the specific effects and active ingredients of art on health.