Illness episodes and cortisol in healthy older adults during a life transition

Alterations in neuroendocrine functioning and in the neuroendocrine response to stress have been observed in older adults. Stressful life events have also been associated with increased illness vulnerability. However effects of natural life stressors on neuroendocrine functioning and health of the elderly have not been well characterized. This research examines relationships among cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), distress, and illness episodes in an elderly population experiencing the life transition of housing relocation. Thirty older adults moving to congregate living facilities were assessed in their homes I month premove and 2 weeks postmove. Twenty-eight nonmoving comparison participants were assessed at similar time points. Assessments included measures of intrusion, cortisol, DHEA-S. and self-reported infectious illness episodes. Movers reported more illness episodes between the two assessments than controls. Significant alterations in neuroendocrine measures were not observed among movers at either time point. Individuals with more intrusive thoughts had higher cortisol levels concurrently and prospectively, but these relationships did not vary by group. Greater intrusion at premove was associated with a greater likelihood of reported illness episodes between the two assessments, but there were no relationships between neuroendocrine factors and illness episodes, and intrusion did not mediate the relationships between group and likelihood of illness. In healthy elders, a temporary life stressor may increase vulnerability to illness but does not appear to pose a risk for sustained alterations in neuroendocrine hormones. However the presence of intrusive thoughts may be a risk factor for elevations in cortisol.