Divorce or widowhood leave a lasting scar on the health of middle aged and older people, especially women says a recent study. Remarriage may repair some of the damage done but those who remain single are less healthy than those who remarry.
The reports that married couples are healthier than single people were published several years ago. This new study, about what happens when the marriage breaks up, shows that there is a lot more stress that takes place than originally considered. This study looked at chronic conditions, mobility limitations, self rated health and depression symptoms during middle age. The research found that when marriage is disrupted with divorce or death, it has a long impact negatively affecting all four areas.
Participants in the study, published in the September 2009 issue of the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, were at least age 50. One of the conclusions was that the health conditions that resulted after a marriage ended were worse than if the woman had been single her entire life.
What I found particularly interesting was that the study results motivated the question: when a middle aged woman is treated for high cholesterol or high blood pressure with medication, should the whole person be treated or just the obvious symptoms? The thinking is that it may be the loss of the marriage that is resulting in this condition due to the extremely high level of stress. Apparently, a toxic relation is toxic to a woman's whole health.
No such findings could be related to men. For men a problematic marriage may cause some emotional issues but not physical concerns. Obviously women are more affected by relationship issues than men and attach more importance to the emotions within relationships then men do. I am guessing that is why women have so many girlfriends - for support.
Your thoughts?
To your success at a well balance life.
Ruthan Brodsky
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