​Going To Gigs Helps You Live Longer, According To New Research

We're always being bombarded with supposedly sure-fire ways to enjoy a long, fruitful life - whether it's being grateful for what you have, falling in love with someone who treats you well, having a job that doesn't stress you out or the occasional nice, long bubble bath.

But it turns out there could be a much simpler solution out there, and that's just going along to a gig every now and again.

A new study, which was conducted by O2 and Goldsmith's University Associate Lecturer Patrick Fagan, found that regularly attending gigs can actually help you live longer.

According to the research, just 20 minutes of solid gig time can lead to a 21 percent increase in that feeling of well-being - no kombucha, downward-facing dog or finding yourself, just a nice bit of live music.

Further research also 'directly links high levels of well-being with a lifespan increase of nine years', which means that there could be a strong link between gig-going and how long you live.

Participants had to take part in bespoke psychometric testing and heart rate tests during a series of well-being activities, which included attending gigs, doing yoga and walking the dog.

The results found that gigs increased feelings of self worth by 25 percent, as well as closeness to others by 25 percent and mental stimulation by 75 percent.

"Our research showcases the profound impact gigs have on feelings of health, happiness and well-being - with fortnightly or regular attendance being the key," Fagan said.

"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."

Sure, the study was co-conducted by O2 - which owns some of the largest live music venues across the country - at the end of the day it's the good-spirited, positive news we've all been waiting for, so we'll take it.

Plus, while this research found that two-thirds of Brits preferred watching live music to listening to music at home, there is also existing proof that enjoying music in any mode can work wonders for your happiness.

A 2013 study in Finland found that children who took part in singing classes had higher satisfaction rates at school, while research by a team at University of Missouri - which was published in the Journal of Positive Psychology - discovered that upbeat music had a 'significantly positive effect' on well-being.