The guidance - published by Public Health England - was compiled by the Institute of Public Health in Cambridge and examined all research into public health interventions aimed at reducing the risk of dementia and encouraging healthy lifestyles in older people.
The research, which offers definitive evidence to commissioners of which interventions are proven to be effective shows that a range of creative activities including music and dance can support healthy lifestyles. Key to effectiveness of arts activity appears to be its role in reducing social isolation.