Interoception in Old Age

Abstract

Emotion regulation in old age was found to be more efficient; seniors seem to focus less on the negative aspects of experiences. Here, we ask, do older individuals regulate their emotions more efficiently or are they numb to the physiological changes that modulate these emotions? Interoception, the perception of physical feelings, influences a person’s mood, emotions, and sense of well-being, and was hardly tested among older adults. We examined the awareness of physiological changes (physiological arousal—blood pressure and heart rate) of 47 older adults, compared to 18 young adults, and their subjective reports of emotional experiences while viewing emotional stimuli. Interoception was decreased in old age. Blood pressure medications had a partial role in this reduction. Moreover, interoception mediated emotional experience, such that low interoception led to lower experiences of changes in physiological arousal. These findings may account for the emotional changes in old age, suggesting a decline in sensitivity with age, which leads to a positive interpretation of information.

Autonomic brain functioning and age-related health concerns

“…These tasks include processing speed and executive cognitive function examinations ( Blair, 2008 ; Murman, 2015 ). Structures and functions of the amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a network of regions in the lower medial and orbital prefrontal cortices, are largely unaffected by healthy aging ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ). However, when elderly individuals are exposed to unpleasant stimuli, the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), which is responsible for cognitive control, decreases in size.…”

“…However, when elderly individuals are exposed to unpleasant stimuli, the lateral prefrontal cortex (LPFC), which is responsible for cognitive control, decreases in size. Even though learning about rewards is less developed in elderly individuals, their responses to rewarding events do not change ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ). However, age-related decline in the insular cortex’s capacity to aid in interception and emotion imitation requires additional research ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ).…”

“…Even though learning about rewards is less developed in elderly individuals, their responses to rewarding events do not change ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ). However, age-related decline in the insular cortex’s capacity to aid in interception and emotion imitation requires additional research ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ). The illustrative Fig.…”

“…The illustrative Fig. 5 highlights the various potential causes of age-related declines in cognitive function and response to any stimulus according to two studies ( Dobrushina et al, 2020 ; Ulus and Aisenberg-Shafran, 2022 ).

Fig.

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Age‐related positive emotional reactivity decline associated with the anterior insula based resting‐state functional connectivity

“…This connection is reinforced by findings that individuals with greater interoceptive ability, adept at discerning ongoing visceral changes, tend to experience more intense and highly aroused emotions (Schulz & Vögele, 2015). A body of empirical evidence suggests that IS diminishes with age (Kenney & Chiu, 2001; Lautenbacher et al, 2017; Rayner et al, 2000), with older adults displaying reduced sensitivity to physiological changes precipitated by emotional stimuli (Ulus & Aisenberg‐Shafran, 2022). Based on the above research, it is hypothesized that the intensity of emotional reactivity decreases with age.…”