Study suggests divorced men living alone face greater health risks

A new study published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health showed men who have been through divorces or have been living alone for several years, have increased health risks. The same was not found to be true for women.

The study, conducted at the University of Copenhagen, compiled information on the inflammation levels of 4,835 middle-aged Danish men and women from Copenhagen Aging and Mid-Life Biobank (CAMB). Researchers used the national standardized annual register to gather subject data on breakups and living situations.

Researchers measured inflammation levels of participants aged 48 to 52, from 2009 to 2001. After accounting for factors such as age, education level, disease, and personality, results showed a correlation between higher inflammation levels, number of divorces, and years living alone in men. For women, the study found no association between inflammation levels and years living alone or number of break ups.

These results suggest that men living alone and those who have gone through several breakups have greater health risks. To prevent such risks, scientists suggest clinical settings must implement more targeted inflammation prevention for middle-aged men who are divorced or who have been living alone for several years.