4 ms·

I know of two cases in my own family where one elderly spouse died, and the other announced that they did not want to go on, and they died within about a week.

phkahler 8y ago
A friend of my mom died and his wife died sitting in her car just as they were about to begin the procession. Nice couple, married for a long time, shared some of the same odd characteristics. I don't recall what he died of or if there was indication it was coming, so it's not clear how far down this progression she was or how fast it hit. It was sad but also the thought of a couple meaning that much to each other is rather touching.
- paublyrne 8y ago
  It could also be a coincidence.
agumonkey 8y ago
I had this, I was in very good shape (15s~ for 100m sprint sets for fun) and nearly died of grief. If you're old and your system is frail, I can easily see how your emotional state could disrupt it. These bonds root deep in us.
- agumonkey 8y ago
  ps: to add some details, here are a few hypothesis (AFAIcan understand) - tako tsubo syndrom, emotional shock => hormone cascade => myocard deformation to the point of uselesness - arteries constrictions, nearly all your arteries (even micro capillaries) have tiny valve-rings, since fear can induce vasoconstriction to ensure high blood supply, I think high anxiety can force your system in that state for prolonged amount of time which will lead to blood flow disruption (tiny clots, mild hypoxia) and derail organs on the way.
macintux 8y ago
My grandmother has not wanted to go on for 15+ years now after my grandfather died, yet she's still here, and doing relatively well for a 95-year-old. I definitely think there's a correlation between your mental and physical health, but it's definitely not a simple one.
- MFLoon 8y ago
  Not to presume to know her mental state, but it strikes me as probable that she says "I don't want to go on" because she feels it's expected of her as a widow, even if it's not an accurate expression of her true mental state.
- acct1771 8y ago
  You mean, not a 100% guaranteed one. It's pretty simple, actually. The body cannot live (thrive) without the mind.
  - x220 8y ago
    Fake news. See: braindead people.
    - r_c_a_d 8y ago
      I think he was quoting The Matrix...

phkahler 8y ago

A friend of my mom died and his wife died sitting in her car just as they were about to begin the procession. Nice couple, married for a long time, shared some of the same odd characteristics. I don't recall what he died of or if there was indication it was coming, so it's not clear how far down this progression she was or how fast it hit. It was sad but also the thought of a couple meaning that much to each other is rather touching.

paublyrne 8y ago
It could also be a coincidence.

agumonkey 8y ago

I had this, I was in very good shape (15s~ for 100m sprint sets for fun) and nearly died of grief. If you're old and your system is frail, I can easily see how your emotional state could disrupt it. These bonds root deep in us.

agumonkey 8y ago
ps: to add some details, here are a few hypothesis (AFAIcan understand) - tako tsubo syndrom, emotional shock => hormone cascade => myocard deformation to the point of uselesness - arteries constrictions, nearly all your arteries (even micro capillaries) have tiny valve-rings, since fear can induce vasoconstriction to ensure high blood supply, I think high anxiety can force your system in that state for prolonged amount of time which will lead to blood flow disruption (tiny clots, mild hypoxia) and derail organs on the way.

macintux 8y ago

My grandmother has not wanted to go on for 15+ years now after my grandfather died, yet she's still here, and doing relatively well for a 95-year-old. I definitely think there's a correlation between your mental and physical health, but it's definitely not a simple one.

MFLoon 8y ago
Not to presume to know her mental state, but it strikes me as probable that she says "I don't want to go on" because she feels it's expected of her as a widow, even if it's not an accurate expression of her true mental state.
acct1771 8y ago
You mean, not a 100% guaranteed one. It's pretty simple, actually. The body cannot live (thrive) without the mind.
- x220 8y ago
  Fake news. See: braindead people.
  - r_c_a_d 8y ago
    I think he was quoting The Matrix...