What is the Widowhood Effect?
Photo by Katsiaryna Endruszkiewicz on Unsplash.
A few weeks ago, I wrote a post about the myths and misconceptions that exist around the death of one’s spouse. This week was Valentine’s Day, so I thought it appropriate to expand on the experience of losing one’s partner. Valentine’s Day can be a difficult day for grieving spouses.
The “Widowhood Effect” refers to a phenomenon that occurs following the death of one’s spouse, particularly those in their senior years. The surviving spouse has an increased risk of dying themselves within three months of their bereavement. It is sometimes referred to as “broken heart syndrome,” which is a documented medical condition. However, many medical professionals separate the two.
The phenomenon can be traced back to the 80s when a 1986 British Medical Journal article identified a significant correlation between death and spousal bereavement. According to Dr. Nicholas Christakis and Felix Elwert, who wrote the 2008 study entitled The Effect of Widowhood on Mortality by the Causes of Death of Both Spouses, the widowhood effect has since become “one of the best documented examples of the effect of social relations on health.”
Compared to the married population, widows and widowers are at a 22% higher risk of death by cancer, heart attacks, and many other factors. Within the initial three months after a spouse’s death, their partner has a 30-90% chance of passing as well. That number lowers to about 15% in months four and following. The risk of death appears to be strongest for widowers in particular, but it does apply to women as well. Additionally, widowed individuals are statistically two and a half times more likely than the general population to die by suicide during their first year of widowhood. Interestingly, the phenomenon does not seem to apply when someone loses their partner to dementia or Alzheimer’s.
While it is unclear what leads to this phenomenon, there is evidence showing that health is affected by grief. Surviving spouses often suffer from anxiety, disturbed sleeping, depressive episodes, reduced immune system, and overall poorer physical health. Widows and widowers are also more likely to develop severe mental disorders, as grief increases one’s vulnerability to physical illnesses as well as psychological illnesses.
Supporting the Bereaved
Reach out frequently to provide social support and comfort
Encourage them to leave the house and get fresh air on a regular basis
Ensure that they aren’t ignoring their own needs and are taking their medication
Encourage them to consult with their doctor about any health or behavioural changes
Ask them about any challenges with breathing or chest pains
Ask them about suicide if you pick up on signs of depression