Rising Numbers of Single Women in Their 60s Linked too Husband’s Health,Lifestyle Factors
SEOUL,SOUTH KOREA – A growing number of women in their 60s are living alone,a trend increasingly linked to the health consequences of long-term habits like smoking and drinking in their late husbands,according to recent data and analysis. The phenomenon raises concerns not only for the well-being of these women, but also highlights the often-overlooked impact of a spouse’s health on the caregiver.
Statistics Korea‘s 2023 data on causes of death reveal a concerning ranking: lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer, and stomach cancer are the leading causes of mortality in men. These cancers are heavily influenced by lifestyle factors, particularly excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. A important proportion of the 282,047 new cancer patients diagnosed in 2022 were in their 60s and 70s,coinciding with the age when wives begin to experience the loss of their husbands to these diseases. This contributes to the rising number of single-woman households in this age group, often stemming from widowhood.
The life expectancy gap between Korean men and women – 80.6 years for men versus 86.4 years for women as of 2023 – is attributed to a complex interplay of genetics, lifestyle choices, and health awareness. While women generally exhibit a greater focus on preventative healthcare, particularly around events like menopause, many men continue unhealthy habits well into older age. the smoking rate among men in their 70s remains stubbornly high, despite the known link between smoking and nearly all cancers, including lung cancer.
Beyond the grief of loss, wives often experience declining health due to the strain of long-term caregiving.Experts emphasize that maintaining one’s own health is crucial for supporting a spouse’s longevity and overall well-being. Quitting smoking is identified as a critical step towards a longer,healthier life,benefiting not only the individual but also their loved ones.
