Shared Joy, Lower Stress: Study Highlights the Health Benefits of Connection in Aging
A new US study reveals a strong link between experiencing positive emotions together and lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in older adults. Researchers at the University of California, led by Tomiko Yoneda, are investigating how to promote healthy aging and the role positive feelings play in that process.
The research, a meta-analysis of data from over 642 individuals (including 312 couples) aged 56-89 from Canada and Germany, demonstrates the powerful impact of shared experiences. Participants tracked their moods and provided saliva samples to measure cortisol levels over a week.
Cortisol, naturally highest in the morning, spikes briefly during exciting or joyful moments before returning to baseline. However, chronic stress and aging often lead to consistently elevated cortisol levels, negatively impacting health – leading to sleep disturbances, weakened immunity, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
The key finding? Couples who shared positive emotions experienced lower cortisol levels, with benefits extending into the following day. Individual happiness or overall relationship satisfaction weren’t the deciding factors.”it’s not about how happy you are, but that you’re happy together – sharing joy, relaxation, or even simple interest in the same moment,” explains Yoneda.
This research supports the principles of positive psychology, which suggests that focusing on positive emotions can broaden perspectives, foster resilience, and improve overall well-being. The “Broaden-and-Build Theory” posits that positive emotions lead to new ideas and stronger relationships.
Yoneda believes these findings have implications for healthcare, suggesting that interventions focused on cultivating shared positive experiences could be a valuable tool for health prevention. She is now exploring whether these benefits extend beyond romantic relationships to other connections, like those within families and friendships, potentially opening new avenues for improving the health of all older adults, including those who are single.
Learn more:
