A prospective study of response to stressful life events in initially healthy elders

L. Willis; P. Thomas; P. J. Garry; J. S. Goodwin

doi:10.1093/geronj/42.6.627

A prospective study of response to stressful life events in initially healthy elders

L. Willis, P. Thomas, P. J. Garry, J. S. Goodwin

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

25 Scopus citations

Abstract

Behavioral and physiological reactions to the stress of a major life crisis were studied prospectively in a group of healthy elderly individuals. Significant decreases in caloric intake, body weight, and lymphocyte count were found following the stressful event with a return toward baseline levels after a recovery period. Significant increases were found for psychological distress and serum cortisol. The results support the thesis that behavioral and physiological changes occur during an event perceived by an elderly person to be stressful and that such changes can have adverse effects on health.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	627-630
Number of pages	4
Journal	Journals of Gerontology
Volume	42
Issue number	6
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1093/geronj/42.6.627
State	Published - 1987
Externally published	Yes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Aging

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AU - Thomas, P.

AU - Garry, P. J.

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A prospective study of response to stressful life events in initially healthy elders

Abstract

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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