The effect of marriage on aging may depend on a person’s gender, relationship status, and history. A study recently published in the journal International Social Work found that married men age more slowly than those who have not tied the knot, but the same cannot be said for women. Read also | Unlocking the secrets of healthy aging
Married men vs. married women
Overall, a new study found that married men age more successfully than their never-married peers. But that’s only if they stay married—separation, divorce, and the death of a spouse are likely to have a negative impact.
New results show that married women do not age as much as their peers who have never married. It was shown that those who managed to hook up and then break up ended up worse off compared to their married and single friends. However, according to the study, women who have never been married age more successfully than those who have experienced divorce or widowhood.
Previous studies have highlighted the benefits of marriage, including improved physical and mental health, but these studies have often not considered changes in marital status over time or how these dynamics may differ for men and women.
Read more about the study
The Canadian Older Study tracked the health and well-being of adults aged 45 to 85 for 20 years to understand how their marital status affects their health. He looked at a list of markers to determine if each participant had “successfully” aged.
Researchers have sought to adopt a more comprehensive and inclusive definition that includes physical, psychological, social, and emotional well-being to better capture the lived experiences of older adults.
Lead study author Mabel Ho, a research fellow at the Institute of Life Activities and Aging in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inventus, said: “I am a registered social worker and have been working in the field of gerontological social work for over 20 years. years. Supporting older people to live well and age well has always been a passion of mine. Our study followed more than 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians, and we found that some people age well and others don’t. By understanding the factors associated with successful aging, we can better support older adults to thrive in later life.”
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice.
