When I lived in Virginia Beach I worked for a cardiologist there who had a patient that was very sick. She had not only congestive heart failure but dementia, too. Her husband adored her. I mean absolutely 100% adored her. He did everything for her. They were an amazing couple. They were in their late 60's or early 70's. They bought me presents when I was pregnant, after I had Tori, Mrs. S got really sick and I took Tori to their house to check on her and let her see Tori. About 2 weeks later, she died. I went over to check on him twice a week and those were the only times he would get up. He was so depressed. 2 months later he died. I believe the cause of death was listed as cardiopulmonary failure--they can't put broken heart on a death certificate. I believe, if you've weathered ups and downs for years and years, if you know each other better than you know yourself, if your mate is the other half of you, yes, you can give in and let your body go. I think your state of mind is very important to your health. On the other side, my sisters in-law's were in their 80's when he died, they adored each other, also, but she lived another 11 years!!