Those of us who have lost a loved one know how devastating it can be.
Now scientists have discovered that grief has such a strong effect on us that it can accelerate the aging process.
Researchers found that study participants who had lost someone had a greater “biological age” than those who had not.
And they found that the effects of a loss could be more severe in childhood or early adulthood.
But losses at any age were said to carry health risks, and repeated losses could increase the risk of heart disease, premature death and dementia.
Now scientists have discovered that grief has such a strong effect on us that it can accelerate the aging process (file image)
Those of us who have lost a loved one know how devastating it can be (file image)
Biological aging, as opposed to chronological aging, refers to the deterioration in the functioning of the body’s tissues and cells.
It is assessed based on DNA methylation levels, a type of chemical modification of DNA.
The researchers used data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health, which began in 1994 and has followed 20,000 people.
Lead author Allison Aiello, from Columbia University in New York City, said: “Our study shows strong links between the loss of loved ones, across the life span from childhood to adulthood, and more rapid biological ageing in the US.”
They found that the effects of a loss could be more severe in childhood or early adulthood (file image)
But losses at any age were said to pose health risks, and repeated losses could increase the risk of heart disease, premature death and dementia (file image)
He said scientists do not fully understand why loss harms health, but that biological aging “may be one mechanism.”
Professor Aiello, whose study was published in JAMA Network Open, said providing resources for those coping with grief “is essential”.
