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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A link between social relationships and longevity of life has been demonstrated in several studies. Data shows a correlation between isolation and danger of early death.
A study involving 67,000 adults reveals those who never marry have a heightened risk for premature death.
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Having already considered general factors such as age and health, researchers found individuals who had not married had a 58-percent greater chance of dying between 1989 and 1997 than people who were married and living with their partner in 1989.
Past research has typically not divided those who are not married into subgroups such as separated, divorced or never married. The researchers say this study reveals a need to distinguish between groups because of the significant differences between each category. Those who had been divorced or separated had only a 27-percent greater chance of early death compared to people married and living with a spouse. Widows had a 40-percent greater chance of early death. Neither group reached the risk level of the never-married adults.
Researchers observed never-wed men to be more susceptible to the early-death risk than never-wed women. Also, the never-married "penalty" was greater for younger people and those who claimed to be in superior health.
This article was reported by Ivanhoe.com, who offers Medical Alerts by e-mail every day of the week. To subscribe, go to: http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert/.
SOURCE: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 2006;60:760-765
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