Is visiting museums good for mental health? Read what research says, the museum data for Çorum, and wellbeing suggestions for people over 50 and their families.
There are many people who say that, after retirement, the days start to look alike. Tea in the morning, the news at midday, television in the evening... Excuses to see something new, to learn something or to meet someone become fewer. So could a simple and often low-cost activity like visiting museums help break this cycle? In this article we look at research on the relationship between museum and cultural activities and mental health, at visitor data for Çorum's museums, and at practical suggestions, particularly for readers over 50 and those with older relatives. Let us say from the outset: a museum is not a treatment; but it is an often overlooked resource that can support wellbeing.
Visiting Museums and Mental Health: What Does Research Say?
In recent years, studies on the relationship between arts and cultural activities and health have increased. One of the most frequently cited is based on data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Fancourt and Steptoe (2019) followed adults over 50 for around 14 years. Among those who attended activities such as museums, galleries, exhibitions, theatre or concerts every few months or more often, the risk of dying during the follow-up period was found to be around 31% lower. Among those who attended once or twice a year, this difference was around 14%.
This finding is striking, but it needs to be read carefully. The study is observational; in other words, it does not prove that visiting museums extends life. People who take part in cultural activities may already be healthier, more active, financially more comfortable or socially better connected. Although the researchers tried to take some of these factors into account, causation cannot be established.
Other studies also show associations in a similar direction:
- An assessment carried out in England found that people who visited heritage sites reported higher life satisfaction (Fujiwara et al., 2014).
- A broad scoping review prepared for the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (Fancourt and Finn, 2019) brought together findings suggesting that arts and cultural activities may play a role both in preventing illness and in supporting wellbeing.
None of these studies uses data from Çorum or Turkey. Even so, the research literature shows that cultural participation is consistently associated with wellbeing; how much of this association comes from the museum itself, and how much from the accompanying movement, social contact and sense of curiosity, is still being researched.
The Figures in Çorum: Museums, Visitors and Opportunities
According to local news reports based on the Provincial Council Tourism Committee report, Çorum Museum received 26,854 visitors in 2023; the great majority of them were domestic visitors. According to reports from 2012, the museum holds around 14,000 artefacts belonging to eight different civilisations. In the same year, the Alacahöyük archaeological site and museum reached 33,737 visitors, and Boğazköy Museum together with Hattusa reached 56,833.
Across Turkey, according to reports citing the Cultural Heritage Statistics of TÜİK (the Turkish Statistical Institute), there were 664 museums in 2025, and the number of visits to museums and archaeological sites reached around 65.9 million. Within this big picture, Çorum's museums stand out as calm places, away from the crowds, that can be explored comfortably.
The limits of the data should also be stated. The age breakdown of visitors, how many people visit museums regularly, and to what extent older people use these places are not known. Official province-level tables for the whole of 2024 and for 2025 could not be accessed either.
However, these figures also point to an opportunity: compared with the tiring queues, noise and rush of crowded museums, a museum that receives fewer visitors can offer a more comfortable experience, particularly for older visitors. You can walk at your own pace, sit down and rest, and stand in front of a piece for as long as you like. We look separately at why Çorum's heritage sites are visited so little in our article on Hattusa visitor numbers.
Barriers to Cultural Participation: A Sociological Reading
Although going to a museum seems easy on paper, there are real barriers for many people. These should be thought of as possible factors rather than definite causes.
The feeling that "museums aren't for me". Some people see museums as places belonging only to educated people, experts or the "cultured". This perception can form an invisible threshold, especially for a generation whose educational opportunities were limited.
Transport and limited mobility. Archaeological sites are often outside the city centre and may require walking and climbing steps. For older people who do not drive or who have mobility difficulties, this is a serious barrier.
Reluctance to go alone. The thought "What would I do there on my own?" stops many people from leaving the house. This may be even more pronounced for older people who have lost a spouse or whose children live in another city.
Financial worries. At a time of rising living costs, even small expenses such as transport and entrance fees may be put off. Getting up-to-date information on entrance fees and possible discounts from the museum before going can ease this worry.
Lack of habit. For someone who has never had the habit of visiting museums throughout their life, this activity can feel unfamiliar. Acquiring a new habit takes a little courage at any age.
Caring responsibilities. Many people over 50 take on both the care of grandchildren and the care of their own elderly parents. For someone in this "sandwich" position, a few hours set aside for themselves often drops to the bottom of the list. Yet carers looking after their own wellbeing also matters for the people they care for.
Why Might a Museum Do You Good? Cognitive Stimulation, Social Contact and Meaning
Researchers explain the relationship between cultural participation and wellbeing through several possible mechanisms:
- Cognitive stimulation. Seeing something new, reading, being curious and telling others what you have learned keeps the mind working. Staying mentally active in later life is an important part of wellbeing.
- Physical movement. Touring a museum or an archaeological site is a walk you take without noticing. Leaving the house, walking along and standing get the body moving.
- Social contact. People usually go to a museum with someone. The conversations along the way, the tea after the visit and the acquaintances you bump into all nourish social bonds.
- Meaning and continuity. Looking at a work made thousands of years ago gives a person the chance to see their own life within a wider span of time. This can offer a different perspective on the question "What was the meaning of my life?", which often arises in later life.
- A sense of awe. The awe felt in front of something large, beautiful or ancient can help a person step away from their own worries for a little while.
An hour spent in a museum is not a day crossed off the calendar; it is a new page added to memory.
Let's say a woman in her seventies, who lost her husband a few years ago, goes to Çorum Museum with her grandchild. When she sees the old kitchen utensils in the display cases, she remembers the pots her own mother used and spends half an hour telling her grandchild about her childhood. When she gets home, for the first time in months she says, "Today was a good day." It is a single day; but it is a small window opened in the middle of loneliness.
We look at how mood can change in later life, and the signs to watch for, in our article on depression in older age.
Visiting Museums: Suggestions for People Over 50 and Families of Older Adults
Visiting museums is not enough on its own to support wellbeing; but when it is built into life as a regular and enjoyable activity, it can be a valuable resource. The following suggestions may offer some guidance:
For readers over 50:
- Set a regular rhythm. What stands out in the research is regular rather than one-off participation. You could set an achievable goal, such as seeing a new museum or exhibition once a season.
- Go with a friend. Going together with a neighbour, a former colleague or a relative both reduces hesitation and creates a social get-together.
- Keep it short and enjoyable. You do not have to see the whole museum in one go. Seeing one room or a few pieces is enough.
- Share what you learn. Describing a piece you saw during a family conversation reinforces the experience and can start a conversation between generations.
- Vary your cultural activities. Alongside museums, concerts, exhibitions, adult education courses and city walks can offer similar benefits.
- Take notes. Writing down the pieces you saw, the questions that came to mind and how the visit made you feel in a small notebook deepens the experience.
For those with older relatives:
- Present the outing as an invitation, not a "task". Saying "Will you come with me? I'd love to hear what you think" is more inviting than "I need to take you to the museum".
- Check accessibility in advance. Finding out beforehand about seating, steps, toilets and transport helps the day go smoothly.
- Make room for their stories. The exhibits in the museum may awaken memories of their own past. Listening to these memories is perhaps the most valuable part of the visit.
- Include the grandchildren. A museum trip taken together by a grandparent and grandchild can be a meaningful experience for both generations.
We look in more detail at the sense of emptiness that can come with retirement in our article on retirement syndrome.
When Should You Seek Professional Support?
Not wanting to leave the house is something everyone experiences from time to time. However, in the following situations it may be helpful to talk to a professional:
- If you or your older relative have not enjoyed any activity for weeks
- If you notice changes such as gradually withdrawing from social relationships, not answering the phone or not receiving visitors
- If there are marked changes in sleep and appetite, constant tiredness and reluctance
- If thoughts such as worthlessness, "I'm of no use to anyone" or "I'm a burden" are frequently expressed
- If forgetfulness, distractibility or confusion are becoming noticeable
The last point may require a neurological assessment as well as a mental health one; it is therefore important to see a doctor. If hopelessness or thoughts that life is meaningless are accompanied by thoughts of self-harm, support should be sought without delay, and in an emergency 112 (emergency services) should be called. These signs do not on their own mean a diagnosis; but individual therapy can be an option for talking about the changes you are going through in a safe setting.
How Are Withdrawal and Reluctance in Later Life Approached in Therapy?
Withdrawal and reluctance in later life are addressed in therapy by taking both individual and environmental factors into account. Life changes such as retirement, the loss of a spouse, health problems and children living far away can increase the emotional load of this period.
Within the framework of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), thoughts such as "What am I going to do at this age?" or "There's nothing left for me any more" are identified and their realism is examined together. With the behavioural activation approach, small and enjoyable activities are planned in the areas the person values. A museum visit, a walk with a friend or joining a new course can be part of this plan.
Life review work can also be valuable in this period. Looking back over the important moments, achievements and difficulties of one's life can help a person make peace with the past and look at the present from a more meaningful place.
Where considered necessary, an assessment by a psychiatrist may be recommended. For people with mobility difficulties or who find it hard to leave the house, online sessions can also be an option. These sessions can take place in Çorum face to face or online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does visiting museums help you live longer?
Some observational studies have shown that, among people over 50 who regularly take part in cultural activities, the risk of dying during the follow-up period was lower. However, these studies do not prove causation; those who take part may already be healthier or socially better connected.
How often is it beneficial to go to a museum?
It is not possible to recommend an exact frequency. Research shows that regular participation is associated with stronger links than one-off participation. An achievable goal such as once a season can be a good start.
My elderly mother doesn't want to leave the house. Should I push her?
Pushing often increases resistance. Inviting her to something enjoyable rather than presenting it as a task, and starting with small steps, may be more effective. If the reluctance lasts a long time and comes with other signs, it is helpful to consult a professional.
Are there activities other than museums that offer similar benefits?
Yes. Cultural and social activities such as concerts, exhibitions, craft courses, choir groups and nature walks can similarly provide cognitive stimulation, movement and social contact.
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Eda Erkan Alapala
Klinik Psikolog. İstanbul Kent Üniversitesi Klinik Psikoloji Tezli Yüksek Lisans mezunu; bilişsel davranışçı terapi, çocuk merkezli oyun terapisi ve çocuk-ergen psikoterapisi alanlarında eğitimlerini tamamlamıştır.
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