Recent research from Columbia University in New York reveals that the loss of a loved one is not only emotionally painful or traumatic, but might even leave indelible marks on mental and physical health, accelerating biological ageing.
The researchers analysed data from 3,963 participants, nearly 40% of whom had lost a loved one in adulthood, between the ages of 33 and 43.
The results show that those “participants who had experienced a greater number of losses exhibited significantly older biological ages compared with those who had not experienced such losses”, the scientists wrote.
“Our study shows strong links between losing loved ones across the life course from childhood to adulthood and faster biological ageing in the US,” lead author Allison Aiello outlined.
Indeed, people who experienced two or more losses had a higher biological age according to several epigenetic clocks, DNA markers that measure this type of ageing.
“The connection between losing loved ones and health problems throughout life is well established,” Aiello noted. “But some stages of life might be more vulnerable to the health risks associated with loss, and the accumulation of loss appears to be a significant factor.”
The loss of a parent or a sibling early in life can be particularly traumatic, the researchers noted, often leading to mental health issues, cognitive problems, higher risks of heart disease, and a greater chance of premature death.
But losing a close family member at any age can pose health risks, and experiencing repeated losses can increase the risks of heart disease, mortality and dementia, they added. Moreover, the effects can persist or become apparent long after the event itself.
The study also points out that the impact of loss on health and biological ageing could contribute to health disparities between racial and ethnic groups. More than half of Black participants (57%) experienced at least one loss, compared to 41% of Hispanic participants and 34% of white participants.
“We still don’t fully understand how loss leads to poor health and higher mortality, but biological ageing may be one mechanism as suggested in our study. Future research should focus on finding ways to reduce disproportionate losses among vulnerable groups.
“For those who experience loss, providing resources for coping and addressing the trauma is essential,” Aiello concluded.