A study by the University of California, Davis reveals that shared joyful experiences in marriage may lower cortisol levels, contributing to longevity among older couples in Canada and Germany.
- Researchers analyzed data from 321 couples aged 56 to 89 in Canada and Germany, focusing on the impact of positive emotions on longevity.
- The study found that couples who experienced mutual happiness displayed lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone linked to various health issues.
- Tomiko Yoneda, a psychologist at the University of California, Davis, emphasized the importance of joyful memories for promoting health and longevity in marriages.
Why It Matters
This research underscores the role of emotional well-being in health outcomes, suggesting that fostering joy in relationships could be a key factor in increasing lifespan among older adults.