Science Daily reports that “a new study published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology, led by psychology researchers Sarah Liu and Carsten Wrosch from Concordia University’s Centre for Research in Human Development, found that boosting self-esteem can ‘provide real health benefits in seniors.'”

Liu and Wrosch found that as self-esteem decreased, the stress hormone cortisol increased and vice versa.

“The ultimate solution may be to prevent self esteem from declining,” said Liu.