Art

Art, originally uploaded by The Stranger.

Viewing and discussing art not only soothes the soul, it also helps cure ills like high blood pressure and constipation.

A researcher had 20 women of around 80 years of age gather once a week for four months to discuss different works of art.

"The result was positive. Their attitudes became more positive, more creative, their blood pressure went in the right direction ... and they used fewer laxatives,"

A control group of 20 women who met to discuss their hobbies and interests once a week instead of art did not experience the same effects, she pointed out.

"There was a significant difference between the groups," she said, adding that the art group had continued to show positive effects many months after their last discussion.

"It's all about using art in a structured way," she said.