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Research from the University of California, Davis, highlights the link between relationship satisfaction and cortisol levels in older adults.
Having a fulfilling relationship may do more than enhance our mood—it could be instrumental in managing stress as we age, according to new findings from researchers at the University of California, Davis. The study, published in September in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, reveals that older couples experience lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, when their partners express positive emotions. This effect is notably more pronounced among individuals who report higher relationship satisfaction.
“Having positive emotions with your relationship partner can act as a social resource,” stated Tomiko Yoneda, assistant professor of psychology and lead author of the study. The research suggests that emotional well-being in intimate partnerships plays a crucial role in regulating stress, particularly in older adults.
Understanding Cortisol and Healthy Aging
Cortisol is an essential component of the body’s stress response system, influencing metabolism and overall health. It typically peaks in the morning and gradually declines throughout the day. However, stress can cause acute spikes in cortisol levels, leading to potential health risks when these levels remain chronically elevated.
Previous studies have consistently linked negative emotions to increased cortisol production, contributing to a decline in overall health. This connection appears to be particularly significant in older adults, who often exhibit heightened physiological responses to stress and reduced ability to normalize cortisol levels.
The researchers propose that intimate relationships may help older adults manage their cortisol production. “Positive emotions can buffer the production of cortisol,” Yoneda explained, emphasizing the critical role of partners in this dynamic.
Research Insights and Findings
Yoneda and her team analyzed data from 321 adults aged 56 to 87 across three extensive studies conducted in Canada and Germany between 2012 and 2018. Participants reported their emotional states and relationship satisfaction, while cortisol levels were measured through saliva samples. This data was collected multiple times a day over a week, allowing for an in-depth analysis of the interplay between emotions and cortisol levels.
The study found that when a partner expressed higher-than-usual positive emotions, the individual’s body produced less cortisol. Remarkably, this effect was stronger than when individuals reported their own positive emotions. It was particularly evident among older couples and those who felt happier in their relationships.
Interestingly, the research did not find any correlation between an individual’s cortisol levels and their partner’s negative emotions. According to Yoneda, this aligns with previous studies suggesting that older adults often shield their partners from the physiological impacts of negative feelings.
The Broader Implications of Positive Relationships
The findings underscore the importance of high-quality relationships in promoting both happiness and health throughout life. Yoneda notes that positive emotional experiences can create a feedback loop that enhances emotional resilience over time.
“Relationships provide an ideal source of support, especially when those are high-quality relationships,” she said. These dynamics may be especially crucial in older adulthood, where social support can significantly impact mental and physical well-being.
The research involved collaboration with experts from Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, Humboldt Universität Berlin, and Stanford University.
For more details, see the study by Tomiko Yoneda et al., “What’s yours is mine”: Partners’ everyday emotional experiences and cortisol in older adult couples, published in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107118.
As we reflect on the implications of this research, it becomes clear that fostering happy relationships may not only enhance our emotional experiences but could also play a vital role in healthy aging and stress management.
