title: Changes in routine health behaviors following late-life bereavement: a systematic review.
abstract: This systematic review examines the relationship between late-life spousal bereavement and changes in routine health behaviors. We review six behavioral domains/modifiable risk factors that are important for maintaining health among elderly populations: physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and body weight status. Thirty-four articles were identified, derived from 32 studies. We found strong evidence for a relationship between bereavement and nutritional risk and involuntary weight loss, and moderate evidence for impaired sleep quality and increased alcohol consumption. There was mixed evidence for a relationship between bereavement and physical activity. We identify several methodological shortcomings, and describe the clinical implications of this review for the development of preventive intervention strategies.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3343 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA, STS80@pitt.edu.
authors.forename: Sarah T
authors.initials: ST
authors.lastname: Stahl
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schulz
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000523:psychology; D001601:Bereavement; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet / Q000523:psychology; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009043:Motor Activity; D009753:Nutritive Value; D012307:Risk Factors; D012890:Sleep; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D018454:Spouses