Virtual visit to a museum is good for your health

Scientists have known for a long time that avoiding physical social interaction causes a variety of health issues. These include a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as a quicker mental deterioration and even an earlier death. Elderly people are more at risk since they are more prone to be socially isolated and lonely.

People began working from home more frequently during the pandemic out of need, using a variety of Internet technologies. The elderly were assisted in maintaining contact with the outside world using the same technology. This allowed them to participate in a variety of participatory, cultural activities while maintaining their physical, mental, and social well-being.

A recent study that was published in the journal Frontiers in Medicine came to this optimistic result. It is the first study to demonstrate with certainty how visiting a virtual museum dramatically raises the quality of life for older persons who live at home.

Quality of life and fragility

From January to April 2022, a team of Canadian researchers monitored 106 over-65s from Montreal. From the comfort of their seats, half of the participants received weekly guided tours of various museums. Half of the participants were in the control group and were not permitted to take part in the virtual cultural excursions.

The group that was active definitely benefited from the virtual museum excursions. The quality of life, frailty, physical and mental health, and social isolation of the 53 senior participants in this group all significantly improved. According to the study report, after three months, scores on these four items were considerably higher in the experimental group than in the control group.

A painting a day keeps the doctor away

Dr. Olivier Beauchet, a professor at the University of Montreal and the study's principal author, stated that the research "shows that art activities might be a successful intervention." "Activities like these interactive virtual museum trips that occur once a week can be beneficial anywhere. Offering these kind of initiatives to seniors worldwide would be a smart idea, in my opinion, if funds at museums and art organizations could be made available. By doing this, you encourage healthy and active aging."

The 45-minute tour that was followed by a Q&A session saw significant advancement, particularly on the subject of frailty. According to Beauchet, "vulnerability causes a variety of health issues and limits, which have a detrimental effect on the quality of life and physical and mental well-being of the aged." The healthcare system needs to address this, says the author.

A 2018 pilot research demonstrated the potential benefits of art activities for senior citizens. A three-year international study was conducted to gauge the success of interactive art initiatives in various nations and societies in part as a result of the study's findings.

WHO-initiative

According to Beauchet, the World Health Organization's (WHO) strategy for treating chronic diseases is the foundation for these endeavors. For instance, WHO launched the Aging and Health Program in 2015. In this, the promotion of culture plays a vital role, with the purpose of improving the overall health of participants. These exercises, which aim to prevent illness and discomfort, are typically conducted in workplaces, community centers, and schools.

"We can reach a lot of people in this way, but we want more. There are groups and industries that can support us by partnering with us. We may collaborate on new advances and research in the area of public health in this way "added Beauchet. "For instance, I think museums make excellent partners. They are aware of the issues and needs in the neighborhood. They are continually assessing if the activities they provide are popular with the intended audience and thinking of new ideas."