1er December 2005 – Older people in a romantic relationship would be better protected against the flu than those who live alone. Conversely, people who have experienced recent bereavement are less armed against the virus.
This is what emerges from a study1 conducted in Great Britain among around 100 seniors aged 65 and over, who first answered a questionnaire on their social relationships and the significant or stressful events they had experienced in the twelve months preceding the ‘study.
Then, the researchers measured the immune response of each of the patients, taking blood samples: one just before receiving a flu shot, then a second, 30 days later.
After analyzing the data, the researchers noticed that people living in a couple had more antibodies than those living alone. The more satisfying the romantic relationship was for the spouses, the more alert their immune system was.
On the other hand, people affected by the death of a spouse or loved one – during the 12 months preceding the study – showed a weaker immune response than subjects living alone or in union.
Of course, the death of a loved one, like romantic relationships, is unpredictable in nature. But in light of the results, the authors believe that support services for people experiencing bereavement, or resources to improve married life, could help protect seniors against the flu and many other ailments.
Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net
According to BBC.
1. Phillips AC, Carroll D, Burns VE, Ring C, Macleod J, Drayson M, Bereavement and marriage are associated with antibody response to influenza vaccination in the eldery, Brain, Behavior and Immunity, September 26, 2005 (electronic publication).
