Toxic relationships and aging are directly connected, and Dr. Theresa Pauly says the mechanism is measurable in your saliva.

The quality of your relationships is almost as important to your physical health as smoking, exercise, or body weight. Most people do not think about who they spend time with as a health behavior. Dr. Theresa Pauly's lab does. She measures cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, and has found that social stressors produce a higher response than physical ones. Holding your hand in a bucket of ice water is hard on the body. Being judged by a critical panel in an unplanned job interview is harder.

Older adults tend to navigate this better. They get angry less often, resolve conflict internally more frequently, and use reappraisal to reframe difficult interactions rather than escalating them. They also prune their social networks more deliberately, letting go of relationships that drain them. Dr. Theresa Pauly says those strategies are not just wisdom. They are why some people age better than others.

Topics: toxic relationships aging, cortisol stress relationships, social health aging, reappraisal stress, healthy aging research

GUEST: Dr. Theresa Pauly

Originally aired on 2026-05-08

Toxic relationships and aging are directly connected, and Dr. Theresa Pauly says the mechanism is measurable in your saliva.
The quality of your relationships is almost as important to your physical health as smoking, exercise, or body weight. Most people do not think about who they spend time with as a health behavior. Dr. Theresa Pauly's lab does. She measures cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, and has found that social stressors produce a higher response than physical ones. Holding your hand in a bucket of ice water is hard on the body. Being judged by a critical panel in an unplanned job interview is harder.
Older adults tend to navigate this better. They get angry less often, resolve conflict internally more frequently, and use reappraisal to reframe difficult interactions rather than escalating them. They also prune their social networks more deliberately, letting go of relationships that drain them. Dr. Theresa Pauly says those strategies are not just wisdom. They are why some people age better than others.
Topics: toxic relationships aging, cortisol stress relationships, social health aging, reappraisal stress, healthy aging research
GUEST: Dr. Theresa Pauly
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-05-08

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.