“Y’all having a good time!”: Study shows attending gigs regularly extends your lifespan

Gigs provide such a positive sense of wellbeing that attending them at least once a fortnight could extend your lifespan by nine years.

Twenty minutes of gig time provides a 21% increase in wellbeing.

So says a UK study by London stadium 02 and behavioural science expert Patrick Fagan.

It also suggests that gigs increase mental stimulation by 75%, self worth by 25% and closeness to others by 25%.

The study adds, “Over two thirds (67%) of Brits surveyed saying experiencing live music makes them feel happier than simply listening to music at home—showcasing that the shared experience, which performed so strongly in the research, is key to increasing wellbeing.”

The claim to longer life is based on psychometric and heart-rate tests at a range of wellbeing activities including yoga and walking the dog.

According to Fagan, an associate lecturer at Goldsmith’s University, “Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and wellbeing – with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key.

“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.”

Nina Bibby CMO at O2 used the results to plug her venue: “We all know just how good it is seeing your favourite band or artist live, but now we have the proof.

“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.”

The 02 regularly tops lists of music and entertainment venues in terms of popularity.

It has had 60 million visitors and sold 20 million tickets since opening in 2007.