Risk factors for mortality after bereavement: a logistic regression analysis.

A national sample of elderly widowed people was followed up for six years. Excess mortality was found for men aged 75 years and over in the first six months of bereavement compared with men of the same age in the general population. Logistic regression analysis, controlling for age and sex together, demonstrated that the best independent predictors of mortality among the elderly widowed were: interviewer assessment of low happiness level; interviewer assessed and self-reported problems with nerves and depression; and lack of telephone contacts. The general practitioner is well placed to assess levels of depression and unhappiness among the widowed and to check that they have adequate social support.