New US research suggests that people who give at least 14 hours a week of care to a spouse had a reduced mortality risk. 3376 married people aged 70 and above took part in the longitudinal survey which ran from 1993-2000. During this period 909 people died. However, those who offered the most care to their spouse were 36% less likely to die. The researchers believe caregiving releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps reduce stress and aids cellular repair. However, if the partner being cared for was not so healthy, there was an increased chance of dying earlier. The research is published in Psychological Science Journal.
