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A new study led by Queen Mary University of London researchers, reveals that group arts interventions – such as painting, music, or dance – can significantly reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety among older adults. The findings, published in Nature Mental Health, offer a compelling case for the benefits of shared creative activities.

Depression and anxiety are silent struggles for millions of older adults worldwide, affecting 7% and 3.8% of those aged 60 and over, respectively. While medications and talking therapies are often the go-to treatments, they aren't always accessible or suitable for older adults, who may face side effects, high costs, or discomfort in discussing their mental health. This study shines a light on a promising alternative: the simple, yet profound act of creating art together.

Led by Elizabeth Quinn, a PhD candidate in Psychology at Queen Mary University of London, the research – a comprehensive meta-analysis of 39 studies from 21 countries – involved over 3,360 participants for depression and 949 participants for anxiety.