Death in a country area and its effect on the health of relatives

The histories of the persons dying in a country district during 1973 were examined. The number of visits to the doctors, and also the days spent in hospital by their close relatives in the two years before 1973 were compared with those in the two years that followed. A control group was also examined. There were significant differences in these figures. Analysis suggests that ill health in those aged 50 and over increases after the death of a close relative. A group which is "at risk" after bereavement appears to have been identified.