Losing a loved one can accelerate the aging process, found a study cited by the “Independent“, dariknews.bg reported.
The death of a loved one at any age can have an impact on a person's health. However, if it happens in childhood or early adulthood, the consequences can be more serious, according to the researchers.
Research also shows that repeated losses can increase the chance of heart disease, earlier death and dementia.
“Our study shows a strong association between the loss of loved ones across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood and faster biological aging,” said lead author Dr Alison Aiello of Columbia University College of Public Health in the US. The study was conducted among people aged 33 to 44.
“We still don't have an exact explanation for exactly how loss leads to poorer health and higher mortality, but biological aging may be one mechanism, as suggested in our study.
“For those who have experienced a loss, it is important to provide resources to cope and overcome the trauma,”, she adds.
Biological aging refers to the deterioration of the functioning of tissues and cells in the body, as opposed to chronological age.
The researchers used data from the US National Health Survey of Adolescents and Adults, which began in 1994-95 and followed people from their teenage years through adulthood. The study looked at losses experienced in childhood or adolescence - up to the age of 18, as well as in adulthood - from the age of 19 to 43.
Biological age was estimated based on levels of DNA methylation, a type of chemical modification of DNA that is used to estimate biological age. According to the results, almost 40% of the study participants experienced at least one loss between the ages of 33 and 43. Death of a parent is more common in adulthood than in childhood and adolescence - 27% vs. 6%.
“The link between bereavement and lifelong health problems is well known. But certain life stages may be more vulnerable to the health risks associated with loss, and their accumulation appears to be an important factor, Dr. Aiello said. For example, losing a parent or sibling at a young age can be very traumatic and often leads to mental and cognitive problems, a higher risk of heart disease and a greater chance of early death, experts say.
The study was published in the specialized publication Jama Network Open.
The death of a loved one at any age can have an impact on a person's health. However, if it happens in childhood or early adulthood, the consequences can be more serious, according to the researchers.
Research also shows that repeated losses can increase the chance of heart disease, earlier death and dementia.
“Our study shows a strong association between the loss of loved ones across the lifespan from childhood to adulthood and faster biological aging,” said lead author Dr Alison Aiello of Columbia University College of Public Health in the US. The study was conducted among people aged 33 to 44.
“We still don't have an exact explanation for exactly how loss leads to poorer health and higher mortality, but biological aging may be one mechanism, as suggested in our study.
“For those who have experienced a loss, it is important to provide resources to cope and overcome the trauma,”, she adds.
Biological aging refers to the deterioration of the functioning of tissues and cells in the body, as opposed to chronological age.
The researchers used data from the US National Health Survey of Adolescents and Adults, which began in 1994-95 and followed people from their teenage years through adulthood. The study looked at losses experienced in childhood or adolescence - up to the age of 18, as well as in adulthood - from the age of 19 to 43.
Biological age was estimated based on levels of DNA methylation, a type of chemical modification of DNA that is used to estimate biological age. According to the results, almost 40% of the study participants experienced at least one loss between the ages of 33 and 43. Death of a parent is more common in adulthood than in childhood and adolescence - 27% vs. 6%.
“The link between bereavement and lifelong health problems is well known. But certain life stages may be more vulnerable to the health risks associated with loss, and their accumulation appears to be an important factor, Dr. Aiello said. For example, losing a parent or sibling at a young age can be very traumatic and often leads to mental and cognitive problems, a higher risk of heart disease and a greater chance of early death, experts say.
The study was published in the specialized publication Jama Network Open.