MORTALITY AMONG THE WIDOWED IN SWEDEN

The risk of death for widowed persons is studied as a function of time interval since the day of bereavement. The effects of bereavement on mortality were investigated in all widowed people in Sweden (.apprx. 360,000) from 1968-1978. Among widowers above 65 yr of age there were 9 deaths/1000 in excess compared with married men during the first 3 mo. after bereavement. In comparison with married people in the age group 70-74 among widows there is an increased mortality by 22% and among widowers by 48% during the first 3 mo. after bereavement. Further observation, during a period of altogether 11 yr, showed that excess mortality continues, though at a lower level. Causes of death in the age group 70-74, divided according to marital status, are studied on the basis of data from the National Central Bureau of Statistics. The excess in mortality is due mainly to cancer and cardiovascular deaths, but also accidents, suicides and cirrhosis of the liver. The differences between marital status groups are considered with respect to tobacco smoking and alcohol abuse by using data from the population study of 70-yr-olds in Goteborg. By using data from central registers together with data from the populations study, it is possible to show that life style factors have an impact on the difference in mortality pattern between married and widowed people in Sweden.