Can happy relationships be the key to reducing stress in old age?

A new study from the University of California (Davis) has found that having happy intimate partners boosts people’s morale and helps manage stress, especially as they age.

The study included 321 adults, aged 56 to 87, and the data was collected from three studies in Canada and Germany between 2012 and 2018, which compared people’s reported emotional states and relationship satisfaction with cortisol levels measured through saliva samples.

The results showed that cortisol production was lower when the partner reported positive feelings, and the effect was more pronounced in people who reported higher satisfaction with their relationships.

Cortisol levels are a key part of the body’s response to stress. These levels rise upon waking and gradually decline throughout the day.

Previous studies have shown that negative emotions are linked to higher levels of cortisol, which can lead to poor health. As we age, the relationship between emotions and cortisol becomes stronger, with older adults showing stronger physiological responses to stress.

The new study found no links between individuals’ cortisol levels and their partners’ negative emotions, suggesting that older adults may be more protective of their partners from negative influences.

The findings suggest that intimate relationships provide optimal psychological support.

“Positive emotions can enhance our ability to function smoothly, creating a positive feedback loop over time,” said Tomiko Yoneda, assistant professor of psychology and lead author of the study.

The study was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Source: Medical Express - 23-October -2024 https://ar.rt.com/yk81