Extend an Embrace: The Availability of Hugs Is an Associate of Higher Self-Rated Health in Later Life

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between the “availability of hugs” and self-rated health (SRH) in later life. Data of 20,258 older adults, aged 65 years and greater, were analyzed from the Canadian Community Health Survey. Logistic regression techniques were used to estimate the association between the availability of hugs and reporting higher SRH. Results demonstrated that participants who had hugs available to them “all,” “most,” and “some” of the time had significantly greater odds of reporting higher SRH than those who reported hugs available to them “none of the time” (OR_range = 1.31–1.46, 95% CI_range = [1.10–1.74], p_range = .01–.001). The availability of hugs was a stronger or more reliable associate of SRH than other established associates. As such, the potential health promoting role of hugs can be supported. Future research should examine the appropriate contexts, settings, and implementation practices for hugging interventions among consenting older adults.

Keywords

self-perceived health self-reported health social support interpersonal touch tactile communication

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