Interpersonal touch and the importance of romantic partners for older adults’ neuroendocrine health

Abstract

Interpersonal touch is an essential aspect of human interaction that has the ability to regulate physiological stress responses. Prolonged exposure to stress can have cumulative multiphysiological effects; for example, allostatic load. Despite the increased susceptibility of social isolation for older adults, there is a paucity of research on the efficacy of touch in regulating stress responses among this population. It is also unknown whether touch confers benefits regardless of the person with whom it is shared. This study investigates the difference in physiological stress based on the frequency of touch (hugs, holding, or other close physical contact) shared with romantic partners as compared to other close adults (family, friends, and neighbours) in an older adult population. Data were analysed from 1419 respondents (aged 57–85 years) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) in 2005–2006. Principal components analysis determined whether the eight markers of allostatic load measured in the NSHAP function as a singular system or as distinct components. Analyses revealed three components of allostatic load: metabolic, cardiovascular, and neuroendocrine health. The results of multiple regression revealed that a higher frequency of interpersonal touch shared with romantic partners was associated with better neuroendocrine health (β = 0.13, p = 0.004) following adjustment for a variety of covariates (but not with better metabolic or cardiovascular health), with no associations apparent for touch from other close adults. These findings highlight the importance of promoting interpersonal touch with romantic partners for older adults’ neuroendocrine health.