Divorce is bad for your health, new study finds!

Men who get divorced could be damaging their health, a new study has found!

In fact, living on your own for more than seven years could lead to severe illnesses, heart attacks, dementia and even death for middle-aged men.

However, researchers didn’t find it was the same for divorced women…

Study finds men who get divorced may suffer from more health issues than divorced women

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health analysed the lives of more than 4,800 people aged between 48 and 62.

Experts tracked these individual’s relationship statuses and looked at whether they had been divorced and how long they spent living alone.

They found that divorce and living alone could lead to an early death for men. This is because divorced men are also more likely to eat unhealthy and feel more stressed.

The men in the study had 17% higher levels of two chemicals in their blood which indicate inflammation – interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein – than those who were in a steady relationship.

83 people in the study were widowed, and it seems they tend to have similar effects to a relationship ending in terms of stress.

Living alone may be linked to psychological distress and early death.

Divorced women were less likely to have health issues

Whereas women who live alone for a long period of time or are divorced didn’t have the same increase in inflammation. This could be because middle-aged women tend to have larger friendship groups and more emotional support.

“Evidence shows that men tend to depend more on their female partners than the other way around, so are more vulnerable if they lose them,” says senior study author Professor Rikke Lund.

“Men of the age we looked at tend to have smaller social networks than women, so are at a higher risk of loneliness, which might increase inflammation.

“There is also evidence that men living alone may not look after themselves as well and are more reluctant to consult a doctor for medical problems.

“This could explain the increased levels of inflammation in men following multiple break-ups and more years living alone.”

Men are more likely to ‘externalise’ stress by drinking heavily

What’s more, researchers found men are more likely to ‘externalise’ stress by drinking heavily, which can cause inflammation, while women ‘internalise’ their feelings, which could lead to less damaging effects.

“Women tend to have better support from friends and family following a divorce or break-up which can make a real difference to the effect of the stress on their health,” adds Professor Lund.

“That can range from having people to talk to about their emotions, to having someone to help them move house, and we know it makes a real difference.”

It’s important to note that you shouldn’t remain married if you are unhappy because you are worried about the impact it could have on your health.

If you do feel stressed or depressed, we advise you talk to a medical professional or call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

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