Study Reveals Higher Mortality Risk for Divorcees and Widows

A recent study conducted in Norway suggests that individuals who are divorced or widowed may face a higher mortality risk compared to those who remain in relationships. Researchers analyzed long-term health data from Norway, focusing on those who were divorced, ended cohabitation, or became widowed.

Published in the journal BMJ Public Health, the study reviewed three groups, each consisting of approximately 20,000 people, from 1984 to 2019. These individuals were all married or living with partners at the study’s outset.

The study categorized participants into three groups in subsequent years: those still married or cohabiting, those divorced or separated, and those widowed.

Mortality data was then examined up until January 2020. The findings consistently linked divorces and breakups with an increased mortality risk across all study phases compared to couples who remained together. This was evident even after accounting for variables like age, gender, health habits, self-rated health, and loneliness.

Widowhood also correlated with about a 14% increased mortality risk, particularly in the study’s earliest phase. During the study’s second period, the association between breakups and death risk was more pronounced among women.

Although the research highlights an association between living alone and increased mortality risk, it doesn’t establish a direct causation. However, the evidence suggests that social disconnection could impact public health and clinical practices in reducing preventable deaths.

M. David Rudd, a University of Memphis psychology professor, emphasized that the study aligns with decades of understanding regarding loneliness’ severe impact on physical and emotional health. He noted that the growing isolation, partly due to digital technology, heightens the importance of relationships.

Rudd highlighted that relationships and social engagement, while not necessarily romantic, are key to health and happiness.

Angelica Stabile, a lifestyle reporter, contributed insights to this discussion, underscoring the necessity of human connections.