Anger Can Lead to Health Complications in Older Adults

A study from the American Psychological Association (APA) warns anger can adversely affect the health of older adults by increasing inflammation and elevating the risk of diseases like cancer, heart disease, or arthritis, reports ConsumerAffairs . "Our study showed that anger can lead to the development of chronic illnesses, whereas sadness did not," said APA researcher Meaghan A. Barlow. Analysis of more than 220 older adults between 59 and 93 found anger became physically troublesome for those 80 and older. Subjects younger than 80 and those who reported feelings of sadness did not experience the same inflammatory effects. According to Barlow, age was the biggest differentiator, with the younger cohort — as opposed to the older — finding anger to be "an energizing emotion" that "can help motivate them to pursue life goals." Barlow added that anger "becomes problematic for adults once they reach 80 years old . . . because that is when many experience irreversible losses and some of life's pleasures fall out of reach." She suggested "if we better understand which negative emotions are harmful, not harmful, or even beneficial to older people, we can teach them how to cope with loss in a healthy way. This may help them let go of their anger."