Scientists discover that a virtual museum tour can improve your physical, mental and social health

A randomized controlled trial shows significant improvements in social isolation, well-being, quality of life, and frailty scores.

Scientists have long known that social isolation is linked to a variety of health problems, such as: B. an increased risk of heart disease and stroke as well as mental decline and even early mortality. Because they are more vulnerable to social isolation and loneliness, older adults are particularly at risk. The coronavirus pandemic exacerbated the situation by requiring social distancing, particularly to preserve the health of the world’s elderly population.

Combined with interactive, arts-based activities, the same digital technology that allows workers to connect remotely could help older adults become healthier physically, mentally and socially. This is the result of a current study, which shows for the first time how visiting virtual museums can significantly improve the quality of life of senior citizens at home. The researchers’ findings were published in the journal frontiers in medicine.

Researchers from Canada and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) collaborated to examine the benefits of weekly virtual visits over a three-month period. 106 Greater Montreal residents aged 65 and older were recruited for the research. Half of the participants took part in one guided tour per week, while the control group did not take part in any cultural activities during the same period.

Art improves life

The intervention group showed significant improvements in their social isolation, well-being, quality of life and frailty rating compared to the control group, according to the paper.

“Our study demonstrated that arts-based activities can be an effective intervention,” said lead author Dr. Olivier Beauchet, professor at the University of Montreal. “On a global scale, this participatory arts-based activity could become a model that could be offered in museums and arts institutions worldwide to promote active and healthy aging.”

The greatest benefit of the 45-minute virtual museum tours, which also included a 15-minute Q&A with a museum guide at the end, was an improvement in frailty.

Frailty refers to a “vulnerable condition that exposes individuals to adverse health events and disabilities that negatively impact their quality of life and increase health and welfare costs,” explained Beauchet. “Health and welfare systems must address the challenge of limiting frailty and its associated adverse consequences in aging populations.”

A creative way to improve health

The new study is an extension of previous research examining the potential health benefits of an ongoing MMFA program for seniors called Thursdays at the Museum. The results of the 2018 one-armed pilot study showed that arts-based activities hosted by the museum can improve the well-being, quality of life, and health of older adults.

In fact, the success of the pilot led to a three-year multinational study to test the effectiveness of such arts-based interventions across societies and cultures. In addition, the Research Center at the Geriatric University Institute of Montreal, in collaboration with the MMFA and the University of Montreal, is developing a new program called Arts & Longevity Lab that combines arts and health. The purpose of the laboratory is to develop, validate, and promote arts-based interventions for older adults.

According to Beauchet, these initiatives reflect approaches advocated by the World Health Organization (WHO) to treat chronic diseases. For example, in 2015 WHO launched the Aging and Health programme, which included using community-based organizations to promote culture as a key component to improving health. Traditionally, these types of preventative health activities take place in schools, community centers, and the workplace.

“While these are appropriate sites that reach large numbers of people, there are other organizations and sectors that could become partners in public health research and practice development,” Beauchet said. “Museums are among such potential partners. They are aware of the needs of their communities and are consistently expanding the types of activities they offer.”

Reference: “Benefits of a 3-Month Cycle of Weekly Virtual Museum Tours in Community Accommodation for Older Adults: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial” by Olivier Beauchet, Jacqueline Matskiv, Kevin Galery, Linda Goossens, Constance Lafontaine, and Kim Sawchuk, August 16, 2022 , frontiers in medicine.
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.969122

The study was funded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec-Société et culture and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.