* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia
The pandemic of old age in our developed Western society presents flagrant and unusual challenges. According to recent data from the World Health Organization, it is estimated that by 2050, the world population of people over 60 years of age will double, reaching 2 billion people.
This aging demographic poses significant social and economic challenges, including the need to provide adequate health care and support services for an aging population.
Furthermore, the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of older people in our society. According to a WHO report, older people are at greater risk of developing severe forms of the disease and experiencing negative consequences in terms of mental health and emotional well-being.
Loneliness and social isolation, exacerbated by physical distancing measures, have had a significant impact on the emotional health of older adults, underscoring the importance of addressing the emotional needs of this population comprehensively.
In this context, the focus on the happiness quartet takes on even greater relevance, offering practical and therapeutic tools to improve the emotional well-being of older people and promote an active, healthy and satisfying old age.
In the search for a full and satisfying life in old age, science has set its sights on the complex biological and emotional framework that underlies our well-being.
In this sense, the "happiness quartet", made up of endorphin, serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin, emerges as a fascinating field of study in gerontology, offering new perspectives on how to promote emotional health at this stage of life.
Endorphin, known for its role in the regulation of pain and the feeling of well-being, takes on special relevance in the elderly, where physical ailments may be more frequent.
Strategies such as regular practice of adapted physical exercise and participation in recreational activities that promote the release of endorphins, such as dance or gentle yoga, can help improve the mood and quality of life of older adults.
On the other hand, serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood and a feeling of well-being, is of crucial importance in the prevention and treatment of depression in the elderly.
Strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, regular social contact, and exposure to natural light can help stimulate serotonin production, thereby promoting mental and emotional health in older adults.
As for dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to motivation and pleasure, its role in the search for meaning and purpose in life takes on special relevance in the elderly.
Setting achievable goals and engaging in activities that spark interest and curiosity, such as learning new skills or participating in interest groups, can help stimulate the release of dopamine, thereby promoting vitality and emotional well-being in older adults. .
Finally, oxytocin, known as the "hug hormone," takes on unique value in promoting emotional connection and well-being in older people. Regular physical contact, such as hugs and displays of affection, as well as participation in community and volunteer activities, can help increase oxytocin levels, thereby promoting a sense of belonging and emotional connection in older adults.
In summary, the “happiness quartet” offers a fascinating conceptual framework for understanding and promoting emotional well-being in later life. Through strategies focused on the stimulation of endorphin, serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin, we can help older adults live full, satisfying, and emotionally enriching lives at this stage of life.
