OXYTOCIN: THE PARAMOUNT SOCIAL HORMONE IN AN AGED COHORT

Abstract

A person who is “successfully aging” is optimally functioning in the physical, mental, and social aspects of his life. Past studies have established social-functioning as an essential feature of successful aging. Thus, the prosocial hormone, oxytocin, is of interest in this study. Although research has supported the role of oxytocin in social-approach and affiliative behaviors, there is a lack of such reports in the older population. Hence, the study hopes to tie a biological link between successful aging and the social hormone. 431 older adults past 55 years of age were recruited as participants Successful aging was assessed by a composite score from five domains - general health, disability, cognitive and emotional functioning, and social engagement. Blood samples were collected to conduct oxytocin assay. Prosocial tendencies were evaluated by one-shot Ultimatum and Public Goods economic games. Higher quantities of plasma oxytocin could predict (a) more involvement in social activities; (b) increased generosity in the Ultimatum Game, and (c) enhanced cooperation in the Public Goods Game, but only for females. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, a negative correlation was observed between successful aging and oxytocin for males. Thereby, highlighting oxytocin as a sex-dependent, parochial social hormone in the aged cohort.