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Spouse's functional disability and mortality: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Toshimasa Sone1,2, Naoki Nakaya3,4, Yasutake Tomata2
1Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health Science, Tohoku Fukushi University, Sendai, Japan.
Geriatrics & Gerontology International
|June 28, 2019
Summary
Spouses caring for a partner with functional disability face higher mortality risk. Enhanced support systems for caregivers and those with disabilities are crucial for preventing deaths in the older Japanese population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Caregiver burden is a significant stressor impacting partner health and potentially mortality.
- Previous research on caregiving's effect on mortality has yielded inconsistent findings.
- Understanding the link between spousal functional disability and mortality is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a spouse's functional disability and mortality risk in older Japanese adults.
- To determine if caregiving for a disabled spouse increases the likelihood of fatal events.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 7598 Japanese participants surveyed in 2006.
- Functional disability defined by certification for long-term care insurance.
- Cox regression analysis used to assess mortality risk over an 87-month follow-up period, adjusting for confounding factors.
Main Results:
- Individuals with spouses experiencing functional disabilities showed a significantly higher mortality hazard ratio (1.78).
- This increased mortality risk was consistent across different age groups and sexes.
- The findings highlight a clear association between spousal caregiving and increased mortality.
Conclusions:
- Caregiver burden associated with spousal functional disability may elevate stress responses, leading to increased mortality.
- Strengthening support systems for individuals with disabilities and their spouses is vital for mortality prevention.
- Recommendations include enhanced long-term care, housing, and livelihood support services.
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