Study reveals the real reason why we get nicer over time

It has to do with the increasing release of a known hormone.

Are most elderly people grumpy and sour, or soft and friendly? It is a question that is widely debated. A new study confirms that we do indeed undergo a change in behavior as we age. And in most cases it is a change for the better.

Oxytocin

In the study, the researchers looked at whether the release of oxytocin — better known as the cuddle hormone — in the brain changes with age and, if so, whether it has behavioral effects. “Oxytocin is a neurochemical signal that promotes attachment and bonding with others,” study researcher Paul Zak told Scientias.nl from. “Social connections have been shown to significantly reduce morbidity and mortality. However, how oxytocin changes with age has never been studied before, but it may have important implications for our health and mood.”

The researchers recruited more than 100 participants for their study, ranging in age from 18 to 99 years. They were each shown a video about a little boy with cancer. A previous study has shown that this induces the release of oxytocin in the brain. Before and after the video, blood was drawn to measure the change in oxytocin. “Participants had the opportunity to donate a portion of their revenue from the study to a pediatric cancer charity,” Zak said. “We also collected data on their emotional state to gain more insight into their overall life satisfaction.”

More generous and helpful

The experiment leads to an interesting discovery. People who produced the most oxytocin were not only more generous, but were also generally more helpful. “In addition, we found that oxytocin release increases with age,” says Zak. “But perhaps more interestingly, there is a positive association between the change in oxytocin and greater life satisfaction, gratitude and empathic feelings; traits that all increase as people get older.”

The older, the nicer

The study confirms that most people do indeed become nicer with age and also explains why this is so: thanks to the increase in the release of the hugging hormone oxytocin. “Our study provides a neurochemical explanation for why older people are more likely to be satisfied with their lives and more likely to be caring and helpful,” Zak summarizes.

Why?

An interesting question is why our oxytocin levels actually increase as we age. “Social interactions are known to influence brain activity,” says Zak. “One explanation is that older people have developed a habit of socializing during their lives so that their brains release more oxytocin. Another reason is that as they get older, people are better able to regulate their emotions, including negative ones, so that they can more easily connect with others.”

brain training

This has interesting implications. Because it means that you could actually train your brain to release more oxytocin. “As mentioned, social interactions trigger the release of the cuddle hormone, just like dancing, singing, and even playing with a dog,” Zak sums up. And so a positive spiral was born. It means that you can control whether you are nice, caring and helpful, or… a sourpuss.

Overall, the study provides interesting new insight into why most people become softer and kinder with age. And that is not only an advantage for others. “The health benefits of oxytocin are very powerful,” says Zak. “For example, it also reduces stress and improves your immune response.” According to Zak, ideally everyone should embrace our deeply social nature and invest in social activities. “This is especially important after almost two years of corona and strict lockdowns,” he continues. “The positive feedback from helping others can train the brain to release more oxytocin so that you are not only more satisfied with your life, more empathetic and grateful, but also experience reduced physiological stress and have an improved immune response. So helping others is not just ‘nice’; it can really make people happier and healthier.”