Increased hospitalization risk for recently widowed older women and protective effects of social contacts.
This study examines effects of recent widowhood on health for a nationally representative sample of older women in the United States. Mediating effects of social connectedness on the health of recently widowed women are also explored. Using data from the 1984-1990 Longitudinal Study of Aging and Medicare claims, discrete-time hazard models estimate the risk of hospitalization for any 30-day period for women who were married at the time of the baseline survey (n = 1,138). Compared to women who are not recently widowed, those recently widowed have a 40% higher risk of hospitalization. Social connectedness, measured by having phoned a friend/neighbor or family member in the period prior to the baseline survey, significantly decreases hospitalization risk for the recently widowed. The findings indicate that recent widowhood has a large adverse effect on the health of older women. Results highlight the need to provide additional support to recently widowed older women.
Laditka
James N
JN
The Arnold School of Public Health, HESC Building, 800 Sumter Street, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA. jladitka@gwm.sc.edu
Laditka
Sarah B
SB
D000368:Aged; D001601:Bereavement; D005260:Female; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012306:Risk; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D017805:Widowhood / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016387:Women's Health