Oxytocin for Old Folks - Nurturing Touch for Seniors

A volunteer movement bringing gentle, nurturing touch to seniors in long-term care.

Many residents in nursing homes go long stretches without meaningful human touch. A simple hand hold, a warm palm on the shoulder, or a soft stroke on the arm or head can make a world of difference in someone’s day. These small gestures support connection, ease loneliness, and help release oxytocin, the bonding hormone linked to comfort, emotional well-being, and feelings of safety.

Oxytocin for Old Folks is a St. Petersburg–based volunteer group dedicated to offering gentle, non-therapeutic touch to elders in local care homes. Our visits take place in a group setting with staff present, and every event begins with a short orientation on boundaries, consent, and approved touch. No massage therapy is provided — just simple, comforting human contact.

What We Do:

• Hold hands and while offering warm, attentive presence
• Give gentle shoulder touch or light upper arm touch
• Smooth hair softly (no scalp massage)
• Support emotional connection through safe, nurturing touch

Why It Matters:

Social touch is a basic human need at every age, yet many seniors receive very little of it. Research shows that gentle touch can help reduce stress, lift mood, support immune health, and foster a sense of belonging. Our goal is to bring more of that connection to the elders in our community while educating volunteers about the importance of oxytocin and human contact.

How Our Meetups Work:

• All volunteers must RSVP
• Groups are intentionally small (4 to 6 per visit)
• Events are scheduled as partnerships develop with local facilities
• Each meetup begins with a quick mini-training:

What to do and what not to do

• How to read consent and comfort cues
  -Touch guidelines and boundaries
• A short explanation of oxytocin and why this work matters
• Visits always take place in a common room with staff present
• Volunteers follow clear, simple touch guidelines for safety and comfort

Who Can Join:

• Anyone with a kind heart, gentle energy, and a desire to bring comfort to elders is welcome.
• No special training, degrees, or licenses are required. All touch is light, over clothing, and non-therapeutic.

Our Mission:

To restore connection, comfort, and human warmth to the elders in our community — one gentle touch at a time — while inspiring others to recognize the power of oxytocin and the need for compassionate presence in every stage of life.

If you feel called to support seniors through simple, heartfelt human connection, we’d love to have you join us.