Why divorce may up early death risk decoded

People are more likely to start smoking and not take part in enough physical activities after a divorce, both of which may contribute to an early death, scientists say.

A growing body of research links divorce to a wide range of poor health outcomes, including greater risk for early death. However, the reason for the connection is not well understood.

A study by the University of Arizona in the US points to two possible culprits - a greater likelihood of smoking after divorce and lower levels of physical activity.

"We were trying to fill in the gap of evidence linking marital status and early mortality," said Kyle Bourassa, psychology doctoral student at U