Loneliness May Increase Dementia Risk, Heart Attacks, and Stroke
…The Health.com article also reports that having a partner is an important part of health care. The article says that ” people who don’t have a spouse or other family member keeping an eye on them may be more apt to skip their medications or ignore the warning signs of heart trouble, Bhatt says. (Indeed, a 2011 study found that men who have heart attack-related chest pain tend to get to a hospital sooner if they’re married or living with a partner.)”
Ideally, everyone would have a compatible partner to help them navigate their last years of life. Unfortunately, life is rarely ideal. However, family and friends of aging adults who may be widowed or divorced would do well to encourage these late-stage friendships and romances. Being in a loving relationship just may help their parent or friend live healthier and longer.
Minding Our Elders: Caregivers Share Their Personal Stories. “For anyone having to walk the last segments of life with a loved one, read this.” …Delores
