Association between salivary oxytocin concentration and social loneliness in older adults: Findings from an uncontrolled pre-post multimodal intervention study.
PsychoneuroendocrinologyJul 20, 2026 (epub)
Georgiana Zaharia, Vanessa Ibáñez-Del Valle, Silvia Corchón et al.
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In 30 seconds
This uncontrolled pre-post multimodal intervention study examined the relationship between salivary oxytocin levels and social loneliness in 62 older adults (average age 60+) in Spain. Following a 13-week intervention, salivary oxytocin concentrations increased, and significant correlations were found between baseline oxytocin levels and loneliness, with p-values of 0.003 for social loneliness and 0.025 for total loneliness.
Key findings
- Salivary oxytocin concentration increased after the 13-week intervention.
- Higher baseline loneliness correlated with lower oxytocin levels (p = 0.003 for social loneliness).
- Caring for grandchildren significantly affected changes in oxytocin levels (p = 0.008).
- Baseline oxytocin levels correlated with age (p = 0.011) and education (p = 0.019).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between oxytocin and loneliness in older adults may inform interventions aimed at improving mental health and social well-being, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies.