Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. All News Sport Culture Lifestyle The Surprising Anti-Ageing Power of Dark Chocolate New research suggests that engaging with arts and culture may be as vital as exercise in slowing the ageing process. Academics propose that arts and cultural engagement should be recognised as a health-promoting behaviour, similar to physical activity. Activities such as reading, listening to music or visiting galleries and museums were found to be beneficial, likely due to distinct physical, cognitive, emotional or social stimulation. The study, led by University College London (UCL) academics, examined biological markers of ageing in DNA, specifically DNA methylation patterns, in 3,556 UK adults. People who engaged with arts activities at least once a week appeared to age up to 4 per cent more slowly than those who rarely participated, a rate comparable to the benefits of regular exercise.…