null ArtsEqual policy brief: Art prevents loneliness




Photo: Juha Metso

Loneliness concerns all age groups and it appears to be on the increase. According to a survey on adults’ health, well-being and services from 2015, more than 400 000 adults in Finland feel that they are lonely.

Loneliness has considerable impacts on public health. Various studies have pointed out that the average lifespan of lonely people is shorter. Loneliness is also known to increase the risk of mental illness.

Research has shown that professionally organized art and cultural activities have positive effects that help to alleviate loneliness, treat health problems, reduce costs of health care and generally enhance well-being.

 

ArtsEqual policy brief 2/2016: Art prevents loneliness (PDF)