Healthline: Helping Others Can Make You Happier as You Age: Here's Why
"The study, published in the journalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, reports that people who donate to charity and do for others see an increase in their production of oxytocin, a mood-enhancing hormone connected to things such as reproduction that was long thought to decrease as a person ages.
The study involved about 100 people ages 18 to 99 who shared a video about a little boy with cancer. Researchers then compared the oxytocin level in the participants’ blood before and after seeing the film.
The participants were then given the option to donate to the cancer charity in the film. The results found that those who released the most of the hormone were most likely to give. Many of those study participants were older.
Paul J Zak, Ph.D., a study author and the director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University in California, told Healthline that the study is the first time the connection and increase in oxytocin have been shown in older adults.
Sanam Hafeez, PsyD, a New York City neuropsychologist, director of Comprehend the Mind, and a professor at Columbia University, told Healthline the study is surprising to her after years of thinking oxytocin production declined with age.
“It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy,” Hafeez said. “You do good and it makes you feel good, so you want to do more, and you do.”
She said the study shows that good works release oxytocin, or as she calls it, “a feel-good” hormone.
In the meantime, Zak said, everyone – of all ages and social settings—can take some kind of positive action.
Zak also suggests doing more things in groups – exercise, hobbies, churches — any place that gets you in a happy group setting will help.
Step by step, the study shows, your oxytocin production should increase.
Read the full article here!
Reflection:
What do you do to increase your oxytocin levels (What do you do that makes you feel good)
#Oxytocin #Happiness #Health
@comfortableNight4463 I really enjoy hanging out with friends, listening to fun music, and exercising to increase my oxytocin levels!
@fruityPond7887 That's wonderful!
@comfortableNight4463
What do you do to increase your oxytocin levels (What do you do that makes you feel good)
I like to meet my friends or talk over the phone, listen to music and pet my pet bunny. What about you?
@globalBraid3744 Lovely! I like to hang out with friends and family.
@comfortableNight4463
I get my oxytocin fix when I hang out with my friends and go out to meet new people! Additionally the positive emotions that come after knowing that you were able to help someone in a better way is a great way to really feel great about yourself.
@sunnyWriting4806 I'm the same way! I love socializing and being able to help others, especially here on 7 Cups!! 💞
@fruityPond7887 Yes! This is why I love being on here!
@sunnyWriting4806
Helping others is definitely a good source of positive emotions. Several studies showed that pro-social behavior is beneficial for our well-being! :)
@globalBraid3744 Very true! We are social creatures and helping others builds connection and a sense of community.
@sunnyWriting4806 Same. Helping others always puts me in a good mood!