A recent study indicates notable long-term decreases in cortisol, a stress hormone, among older adults participating in the O’stress program.
A research team from Canada has published findings on stress resilience in seniors, which appeared on January 5, 2025, in Frontiers in Psychology. The study, involving 170 seniors with an average age of 76, demonstrated that the O’stress program—a six-week stress management course—positively impacted the emotional well-being of participants. Those who engaged in the program reported better problem-solving skills and lower anxiety levels three weeks post-completion. Additionally, their daily cortisol levels, which reflect chronic stress, were significantly less than those of seniors who did not participate.
Teen program modified for older adults
The O’stress program is modeled after DeStress for Success, an innovative initiative created by the Centre for Studies on Human Stress to support teenagers navigating the transition to high school.
In a pioneering study led by Sonia Lupien, the director of the Centre, published in Neuroscience in 2013, DeStress for Success was shown to reduce cortisol levels and depressive symptoms among teens who were feeling intense negative emotions at the beginning of the school year.
Since then, DeStress for Success has been adapted by Plusquellec’s team for various demographics, including at-risk teens (2016) and young individuals with autism spectrum disorder (2018).
Addressing emotional contagion
“Aging, similar to adolescence but for different reasons, is a notably vulnerable period in which individuals can be highly susceptible to chronic stress and its effects,” Plusquellec remarked.
O’stress includes components that are significant to aging, social connectivity, and particularly, emotional contagion—the inclination to absorb the emotions of others. A recent study from the same researchers found that emotional contagion is a major factor contributing to psychological distress among seniors. Consequently, the O’stress program integrates an educational segment on emotional contagion, allowing participants to recognize and manage these interactions in their daily lives.
The O’stress program employs various strategies, including small-group workshops, to assist seniors in identifying stress symptoms and channeling that energy through engaging activities like dancing to The Beatles’ “Twist and Shout.” Participants also evaluate their social networks to pinpoint sources of support, pressure, and emotional contagion, and then collaboratively brainstorm solutions.
The effectiveness of O’stress underscores the significant potential of brief, easily accessible interventions to mitigate the adverse effects of chronic stress in older adults.
“By explaining stress and its impacts, and then providing effective coping strategies, we empower participants to enhance their resilience and overall well-being,” Richer stated.
The research team is now looking to broaden the O’stress initiative and assess its effectiveness across different settings and populations. Their efforts may also pave the way for similar interventions focused on mental health and aging.
