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Demi Moore’s recent hospitalization is just the latest example of how emotional strain following a marital split can culminate in health problems. But, divorce does not have to be such a high-level stressor: among other things, getting appropriate professional help and having a clear vision for desired outcomes can help individuals through the process of ending a marriage.
According to new research, there may be another way to ease the tensions of divorce: going through it at an older age. A study recently published by a sociologist at Michigan State University found that older individuals generally suffer fewer divorce-related health consequences than their younger counterparts.
The author of the study examined the self-reported health of 1,282 individuals over a 15 year period. Although there was no difference in health between those who were divorced during the entire period and those who remained married, there was a more rapid health decline among those who transitioned from marriage to divorce. This finding indicated that the status of being married or divorced itself does not affect health, but the stress that can accompany the process of divorce may very well manifest as a physical health issue.
However, divorce’s effects on health were far less pronounced among older participants. In every generational group studied, those who got divorced at older ages consistently reported fewer adverse health consequences than their younger counterparts. The study’s author hypothesized that older people may have more developed coping skills that chill the ill effects of divorce.
For mature individuals considering divorce, the study’s findings offer a ray of hope. Not only is it never too late to get out of a bad marriage, waiting until an older age may actually make it easier.
Source: Michigan State University, “Divorce hurts health more at earlier ages,” Andy Henion, Jan. 30, 2012