Can Painting really add 10 years to your life?

2 hours ago
2 min read

DID YOU KNOW?

that it's thought that 20 minutes of creative practice can add 10 years to your life expectancy?

Recent studies support a strong link between creativity and longevity, the "20 minutes" and "10 years" figures come from:

Brain Age Benefits: A large-scale study published in Nature Communications (2025) found that regular engagement in creative activities is linked to a "younger" brain age. Experts in these fields showed brain patterns associated with being five to seven years younger than their chronological age.
The "10-Year" Figure: This specific number is often cited in relation to a landmark study from University College London and published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). It found that people who engaged in arts activities even once or twice a year had a 31% lower risk of dying during the follow-up period. Some interpretations of this data, suggest that consistent artistic engagement could potentially add up to ten years to life expectancy.
The "20-Minute" Rule: Neuroaesthetic experts often recommend 20 minutes of daily creative activity as an optimal "dose" to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and improve mood, which are key factors in long-term health.

Summary of Benefits

Engaging in daily creative practice—whether it's doodling, playing an instrument, or dancing—provides measurable biological advantages:

Reduced Stress: Just 20 to 45 minutes of art-making can lower cortisol levels by as much as 25%.
Neuroprotection: Creative challenges build brain capacity and connectivity, acting as a "buffer" against cognitive decline.
Heart Health: Regular engagement is linked to lower blood pressure and heart rate.
New Scientist +2

In short, while the exact "20 minutes for 10 years" trade-off isn't a proven scientific ratio, the underlying message that a small daily dose of creativity can significantly extend your healthy lifespan is supported by emerging research.

Sounds good?

I can help you start and sustain an easy and enjoyable art practice.

I have over 25 years of experience as a professional artist and 20 years as an educator and qualified coach/mentor.
Author of Keys to Creativity, The Joy of Paint, and illustrator of many books, including Paradise Found.
TV appearances on Sky Landscape Artist of the Year.
Features in Artists & Illustrators magazine, The Illustrator Magazine, Psychologies magazine, and Who's Who in Art.
Selected for Artists' Residencies in Paris, Cannes, and Saumur.
Over 150 joint and solo shows at the Museum of Naive Art, Paris and MOMA Wales.
I am also an accredited GOLDEN Artist Paints international Artist-Educator, working with them between 2015 -2025