Divorce and Longevity: A New Study Sheds Light on Divorce & Health

There have been dozens of studies conducted in recent years regarding the connection between divorce and early death. The results have been mixed, leading many to wonder whether there is indeed a correlation between divorce, health issues, and longevity.

Now, three researchers at the University of Arizona have compiled the data from 32 different studies about death and divorce in order to better understand the connection, cause, and effect. The studies looked at 6.5 million people in eleven countries – and over 750,000 divorces.

Overall, researchers found that divorced adults were 23 percent more likely to die at a younger age than those who remained married or single. Those who divorced before 65 had an increased risk of a shorter life expectancy than those who never married or never divorced.

However, the study also found that correlating divorce with a decreased life expectancy was highly problematic since the characteristics that lead to an earlier death may be similar to some characteristics that lead to divorce. Still, the study outlines that divorce may lead to less wealth, severed social ties, higher blood pressure, and reduced health habits – factors that could decrease longevity. The study did not look at the lifespan of those who stayed in unhappy or abusive marriages.

Are you considering divorce in Washington State and need legal counsel? Contact the Bellevue divorce lawyers at the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny and set up a free appointment today.