Divorce 'Significantly' Raises Risk of Early Death

January 11, 2012

A new review by the University of Arizona of more than 30 studies found divorced adults are 23 percent more likely to die early than married couples, USA Today reports. Researchers found the risks associated with divorce were similar to other public health risks such as smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day, getting limited exercise, being overweight and drinking heavily, said the study's lead author, UA psychology professor David Sbarra. He said he was surprised by the results: "We thought there was some risk. But we didn't think the risk elevation would be as substantial as some other very serious public-health risks."