The death of a loved one: Impact on health and relationships in very old age

Lalive d'Epinay, Christian J. and Cavalli, Stefano and Spini, Dario (2003) The death of a loved one: Impact on health and relationships in very old age. OMEGA - The Journal of Death and Dying, 47 (3). pp. 265-284. ISSN 0030-2228

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Abstract

The death of a significant other is seen as a major life disruption. What are the consequences when such a loss occurs during advanced old age? Based on observation of an octogenarian cohort over a period of five years (1994-1999), this study investigates the impact of losing a significant other (close relative or friend) on the health of elders and on their family and social life. The bereaved are compared with 2 control groups: one declaring no significant change in their life and the other reporting a loss unrelated to bereavement. Results show that the death of a significant other has no impact on the measures of functional and physical health, nor is it a factor of isolation. However, the loss of a close relative is associated with more depressive symptoms while that of a relative or friend is related to the survivor’s feeling of loneliness.

Item Type:	Scientific journal article, Newspaper article or Magazine article
Subjects:	Social studies > Sociology
Department/unit:	Dipartimento economia aziendale, sanità e sociale > Centro competenze anziani
Depositing User:	Stefano Cavalli
Date Deposited:	29 Mar 2016 14:00
Last Modified:	21 Jun 2016 05:26
URI:	http://repository.supsi.ch/id/eprint/7212

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