Elevated Mortality Risks for Divorcees and Widows

A recent study from Norway suggests a higher risk of death for divorcees and widows compared to those in ongoing relationships. The research, published in BMJ Public Health, assessed national health data to explore mortality risks among individuals who experienced divorce, ended cohabitation, or became widowed.

Study Overview

The study tracked three groups, each consisting of roughly 20,000 participants, monitored from 1984 to 2019. All subjects were initially either married or living with a partner. Over different study waves, researchers divided participants into three categories: still married or cohabitating, divorced or separated, and widowed.

Death records were checked through January 2020. Consistently, divorces and breakups correlated with a higher mortality rate than those who remained in relationships. This link remained even after adjusting for factors like age, gender, health habits, self-assessment of health, and loneliness.

Findings on Divorce and Widowhood

The results indicated a significant association between being widowed and a 14% increase in mortality risk. The connection was strongest during the earliest period studied. During the second study period, the link between breakups and higher mortality emerged predominantly among women.

The study shows a strong association between living alone and mortality risk without establishing a direct cause.

Public Health Implications

The authors emphasized the need to address social disconnection to prevent unnecessary mortality. M. David Rudd, a professor of psychology at the University of Memphis, reflected on these findings, noting that the study reinforces long-standing beliefs about the importance of social relationships.

Rudd stressed the health, happiness, and survival benefits of relationships, particularly in an age where digital technology contributes to increasing isolation. He highlighted the importance of not only romantic relationships but also general human connections for well-being.

This longitudinal research provides substantial insights into human behavior, emphasizing the need for ongoing social engagement for health and happiness.