Anger causes more damage than sadness for older adults: study

While sadness may seem like a more lingering emotion, anger may the one that is causing more damage. At least that is what a recent study says. The study published in the journal, Psychology and Aging says that anger is more harmful for older adults, leading to health complications, potentially increased inflammation that is associated with chronic illness like disease, arthritis and cancer.

The study further reiterates by stating that a link between anger and chronic illness was found, but that wasn’t the case with sadness.

"Sadness may help older seniors adjust to challenges such as age-related physical and cognitive declines because it can help them disengage from goals that are no longer attainable", said study lead author Meaghan A Barlow from the Concordia University in the US.

The research group made an analysis of data from 226 older adults within the age range of 59 to 93 from Montreal, Canada for the purpose of the study. They grouped the participants as being in early old age (59 to 79 years old) or advanced old age (80 years or older).

In the duration the study, participants weren’t asked to answer questionnaires about angry or sad they felt. The researchers then examined if anger or sadness contributed to inflammation, an immune response by the body to perceived threats, such as infection or tissue damage.

"We found that experiencing anger daily was related to higher levels of inflammation and chronic illness for people aged 80 or above, but not for younger seniors," added study co-author Carsten Wrosch.

"Younger seniors may be able to use that anger as fuel to overcome life's challenges and emerging age-related losses and that can keep them healthier", Barlow added.

The researchers suggest that education and therapy might help older adults reduce anger by regulating their emotions or by offering better coping strategies to manage the inevitable changes that accompany ageing.