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Taking Care of a Disabled Spouse Increases Lifespan of Caregiver

In a surprising study, University of Michigan researchers found that people who provide at least 14 hours per week caring for a disabled spouse live longer than others.

Previous concern over the stress of caring for aged mates lead researchers to expect lowered life expectancy, rather than extended lifespans.

Some of the benefit may come from the psychological effect of 'being needed' -- just as caring for a pet has been shown to increase life expectancy in other studies. In fact, the researchers attribute this effect to psychological mechanisms. But there is no indication that they controlled the sample for the amount of exercise the caregivers got -- though they did consider health, age, race, gender, education, employment status and net worth. Taking care of a disabled spouse is physically taxing work, but that kind of work may be beneficial to the ongoing health of the caregiver.

Source:
An article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release, retrieved 27 Nov 2008 from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/130926.php