Hold the Botox! Art Keeps You Young.

It is a wonderful thing to realize that our pursuit of artistic beauty and culture does more than just decorate our lives, it actually nourishes our very longevity. A new study from University College London, recently featured in The Times, has confirmed what many of us have long felt in our soul: a life well-lived among the arts is a healthy life indeed.

"Those who engaged in artistic pursuits — whether by taking part, or taking them in — at least once a week were on average a year younger in terms of general health than those who rarely did so, researchers said."

                          - Kaya Burgess, Science Correspondent, The Times of London

Here are a few "Good Things" to remember about how the arts keep us youthful:

• A Biological Fountain of Youth: The researchers discovered that engaging with art at least once a week can slow the pace of biological aging by up to 4 percent!  Remarkably, this is the same restorative effect one might see from a consistent weekly workout.

• A Year of Vitality: Participants who made a habit of visiting galleries, museums, or attending the theater were found to be, on average, biologically one year younger than those who rarely indulged in cultural outings.

• Diverse "Ingredients" for Health: Much like a well-balanced meal, a variety of artistic experiences provides different "nutrients" for the soul. Singing, painting, and photography offer cognitive and emotional stimulation, while museum strolls provide gentle physical activity and social connection.

• The Power of Reducing Stress: Engaging with beautiful things has been shown to lower cortisol and inflammation. It seems that simply surrounding ourselves with creativity helps our bodies remain in a state of grace and calm.

As you curate a life filled with these enriching experiences, you will undoubtedly find yourself acquiring pieces that speak to you—be it a delicate landscape or a bold contemporary sculpture. These treasures are part of your legacy and your well-being.

However, to truly enjoy your collection with a clear mind, one must be practical. Just as we maintain our homes and gardens, we must care for the "health" of our beloved collections. Having a professional appraisal is an essential step in this process. A proper valuation ensures that your art is adequately insured, protecting you against the unexpected and providing the peace of mind that comes with being truly prepared. After all, protecting the things that keep us young is a very good thing.