Changes in Routine Health Behaviors Following Late-life Bereavement: A Systematic Review

Journal of Behavioral Medicine volume 37, pages736–755(2014)Cite this article

Abstract

This systematic review examines the relationship between late-life spousal bereavement and changes in routine health behaviors. We review six behavioral domains/modifiable risk factors that are important for maintaining health among elderly populations: physical activity, nutrition, sleep quality, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, and body weight status. Thirty-four articles were identified, derived from 32 studies. We found strong evidence for a relationship between bereavement and nutritional risk and involuntary weight loss, and moderate evidence for impaired sleep quality and increased alcohol consumption. There was mixed evidence for a relationship between bereavement and physical activity. We identify several methodological shortcomings, and describe the clinical implications of this review for the development of preventive intervention strategies.

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Acknowledgments

Preparation of this manuscript was supported in part by Grants from NIH P30 MH090333-01A1, MHO19986, NR009573, NR013450, AG026010, AG032370, and NSF 0540865.

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  1. Department of Psychiatry, University Center for Social and Urban Research, University of Pittsburgh, 3343 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA, 15260, USA

    Sarah T. Stahl & Richard Schulz

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Correspondence to Sarah T. Stahl.

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Stahl, S.T., Schulz, R. Changes in Routine Health Behaviors Following Late-life Bereavement: A Systematic Review. J Behav Med 37, 736–755 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-013-9524-7

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Keywords

  • Routine health behaviors
  • Lifestyle change
  • Behavioral change
  • Bereavement
  • Widowhood
  • Older adults