LONDON (CelebrityAccess) A study commissioned by European mobile phone service company O2 has concluded that attending live music once a week can increase a life span by nine years.
O2, aka the leading owner-operator of music venues in the United Kingdom, commissioned the study by Patrick Fagan, an expert in behavioral science and Associate Lecturer at Goldsmith’s University. It revealed that just 20 minutes of seeing live music per week can have a 21 percent increase in feelings of well-being. Because other research shows that well-being equals longer lifespans, O2 concluded people will live nine years longer if they check out a gig or two.
The 21 percent includes feelings of self-worth (a 25 percent increase) and closeness to others (25 percent increase) while mental stimulation climbed 75 percent. Accompanying research showed a positive correlation between regular show attendance and well being. Those attending concerts about once a week showed the highest amount of happiness, contentment, productivity and self-esteem, suggesting that regular attendance was the key to building a longstanding improvement in well-being.
“We all know just how good it is seeing your favourite band or artist live, but now we have the proof,” said Nina Bibby, CMO at O2. “Life doesn’t come with catch up and through Priority Tickets, O2 customers have access to over 5,000 live shows in more than 350 venues across the UK every year.”
Those wanting to just hang out at home and listen to music on headphones probably don’t fare as well. Apparently 67 percent of Britains surveyed said experiencing live music made them feel happier than listening to music at home.
“Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key,” Fagan said. “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.”
