The Interplay of Physiological and Psychological Factors in Shaping Negative Emotions Among Older Adults

Emotional well-being in older adults is a growing concern within aging research, particularly as populations worldwide experience increasing longevity accompanied by shifting physical and mental health dynamics. Recent studies have revealed that older adults often experience heightened negative emotions, such as depression, anxiety, and loneliness, due to complex interactions between declining physical capabilities and changing psychological processes. While physical inactivity, loss of muscle strength, and reduced cardiovascular fitness are known physiological contributors, psychological aspects such as negative self-perceptions of aging and exposure to ageist stereotypes also play a crucial role in shaping emotional experiences. However, despite substantial progress in gerontology and health psychology, the integrated examination of physiological and psychological determinants of negative emotions remains comparatively limited. Few studies have systematically addressed how these two domains interact to influence emotional well-being and loneliness in later life.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of the dual influences of physiological and psychological factors on negative emotions in older adults. Specifically, it seeks to explore how physical fitness and activity intersect with self-perceptions of aging, emotional contagion, and stereotypes to shape emotional health. The goal is to identify mechanisms that exacerbate or mitigate negative affect, highlight pathways for psychological resilience and emotional regulation, and promote holistic interventions to enhance well-being among the elderly. Studies focusing on gender, cultural, or social moderators are also encouraged to provide comprehensive insights into these multidimensional relationships.To gather further insights into the complex psychosomatic processes of emotional regulation in later life, this collection welcomes contributions from disciplines including psychology, gerontology, public health, and neurobiology. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• The effects of physical fitness and physical activity on emotional well-being in aging populations• The role of self-perceptions of aging and internalized ageism in emotional outcomes• Mechanisms linking emotional contagion and social interaction with negative emotions• Interactions between physiological health markers and psychological resilience factors• Cross-cultural and gender-based variations in the experience of negative affect among older adults• Intervention studies promoting emotional regulation through integrated physical and psychological approaches Topic editors: Ran Hao, Binx Yezhe Lin, Shen He Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/81555/the-interplay-of-physiological-and-psychological-factors-in-shaping-negative-emotions-among-older-adults