It's not uncommon for older people to die soon after their spouse passes away, but their cause of death may have to do more with a poor immune system, rather than a broken heart.
A new study suggests older people who experienced a recent loss had poorer defenses against bacteria and were more susceptible to deadly infections, such as pneumonia, according to The Guardian. Younger people did not have the same ill effects to their immune system when suffering a bereavement.
"Bereavement is a really key stressor that happens to all of us at some point so it's worth being aware of the negative impact it can have on your health," researcher Anna Phillips told The Guardian.
Phillips is a reader in behavioral medicine at Birmingham University and published her findings in the journal Immunity and Ageing. Her study suggests that older people keep family and friends around, stay active and eat well to manage stress levels and boost their immune systems.
"It's a key time to look after yourself in terms of your psychological and physical wellbeing. Don't try and cope by staying in, drinking more and exercising less. Try to cope by having social interactions, looking after yourself by keeping a certain level of fitness and eating well," Phillips said.
The study involved people who had lost a loved one, either spouse or family member, within the last two months. Phillips then analyzed the performance of bacteria-killing immune cells called neutrophils that "release bursts of what are called reactive oxygen species (ROS)," according to The Guardian.
The neutrophils in older people did not release enough of the ROS to attack potential infections. The immune cells did work normally in those ages 18 to 45.
Phillips also studied stress hormones in the blood, specifically cortisol and DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate). The cortisol stops the neutrophils from working. DHEAS is supposed to slow the cortisol effect, but older people lack the stress hormone due to natural aging.
"One of best things people can do is re-engage with their social support networks. Do not socially isolate yourself at times of stress, particularly bereavement," Phillips said.
"That's hard in older groups because the person they've lost might have been their main source of support. That's why it's really important to be involved in the community so you are not left alone as an old person when this happens."
