Couples growing older together - major factors affecting their quality of life
 

University of Arizona
Summary:
As the world's population of older adults increases, so do conversations around successful aging -- including seniors' physical, mental and social well-being. Two major factors can predict an older person's quality of life: the physical health and the cognitive functioning of the person's spouse.
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FULL STORY
As the world's population of older adults increases, so do conversations around successful aging -- including seniors' physical, mental and social well-being.

A variety of factors can impact aging adults' quality of life. Two big ones, according to new research from the University of Arizona, are the health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse.

Analyzing data from more than 8,000 married couples -- with an average age in the early 60s -- researchers found that the physical health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse can significantly affect a person's own quality of life.

The findings have implications for how to most effectively address quality-of-life issues in people's later years.

Find the rest here: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases...cienceDaily%29

Interesting article in that it may lead to treating both people in a relationship even if only one of them is suffering from a cognitive loss. But it really is just common sense that if your husband or wife has cognitive difficulties that your own quality of life will suffer. No amount of treatment will ease the pain of watching a loved one suffer, but perhaps supportive therapy can make the journey a bit easier.