Losing Job Increases Risk of Heart Attack or Stroke
Women and men who become unemployed after age 50 can experience a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. A 10-year longitudinal study found the following after accounting for for sex, race, income and other variables:
- Job losers had more than twice the risk of myocardial infarction compared with those who were still employed
- Job loss more than doubled the risk for stroke
Despite being close to retirement, many people in their 50’s and 60’s and beyond must work for as long they can to make ends meet. Becoming ill after losing a job means that it will be even more difficult for them to find a new one. The researchers said:
Based on our results, the true costs of unemployment exceed the obvious economic costs and include substantial health consequences as well.
Jobs give people more than just money. They also provide a social environment, support network, and feeling of self-worth. Losing a good job could mean losing daily contact with friends and a sense of self. I must remember to be extra kind to people who are fired or retrenched.
MedPage Today, June 22, 2006
Technorati Tags: unmployed, unemployment, jobs, work, health, disease, heart disease, heart, cardiovascular disease, cvd
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POSTED IN: Hearty Research
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