Marriage is one of the most significant non-biological factors that extend life expectancy. This is because married people tend to take fewer health risks and are generally healthier mentally and emotionally. Additionally, marriage provides the social and financial support needed to take you to the doctor when you get sick. However, recent studies show that the difference between married and single people is narrowing. The most significant reason for this is the changing perception of marriage. Nevertheless, marriage plays a role in the life expectancy of people over the age of seventy.
There is no doubt that simply having a document proving one is married on paper does not extend life expectancy. Today, there are many people who appear to be single in official records but who still enjoy the benefits traditionally associated with marriage in their daily lives. This complicates the work of researchers studying the relationship between marriage, health, and life expectancy.
Despite nearly half a century having passed since sociologist Jessie Bernards first proposed that marriage benefits men more, this view remains widely accepted among the public. A large-scale study of 127,545 American adults found that married men are healthier and live longer than their unmarried counterparts; the longer a man remains married, the greater his survival advantage compared to his unmarried peers.1
Recent studies show that life expectancy for single men, in particular, has increased compared to the past. In the past, single men had the shortest life expectancy. Today, however, the life expectancy of single men has come close to that of married men. Experts attribute this to single men now having access to social support systems they lacked in the past, as well as their ability to access necessary medical care due to increased health awareness today.
Is marriage really necessary for a long life?
Bella DePaulo is among the leading voices arguing that marriage is not a prerequisite for health, longevity, and happiness, and that the evidence on this subject is exaggerated and unsubstantiated. In her research on this topic, which has spanned nearly 20 years, DePaulo has sought to demonstrate that these claims are grossly exaggerated and incorrect. Stigmatization of singles is one of her research areas.2 We can summarize some of the research findings she has compiled regarding the lack of gender differences in health based on marital status as follows:3
- In Terman’s study, the longest-living individuals were those who were married and those who were single. Divorced individuals lived shorter lives, even if they remarried. According to DePaula, this has to do with stability rather than marriage itself, and there is no difference between the sexes in this regard.
- The common finding across 18 studies that tracked the same individuals over time, from their single lives to their marriages, is that people’s happiness levels generally do not increase after marriage. At best, those who marry feel slightly more satisfied with their lives during their wedding; however, they later return to the satisfaction levels they had when they were single. This holds true for both men and women. The same studies have shown that married men and women experience lower levels of satisfaction in their relationships over time.
- Contrary to the belief that married people have stronger ties to their communities and are more effective at keeping communities and groups together, research indicates that it is single people, rather than married people, who make greater efforts to maintain connections with their surroundings. Single people make more effort than married people to maintain their bonds with siblings, parents, neighbors, and friends. In contrast, marriage often inevitably leads to a break from the social circle of one’s single days. The likelihood that marriage will weaken social relationships is the same for both women and men.
In situations where gender differences arise, some research findings suggest that single women have an advantage, as outlined below:3
- In marriages that end with the death of a spouse, women adapt to the grieving process more quickly than men. When a marriage ends, regardless of the reason, women are less likely than men to remarry.
- A study examining the social networks of women and men aged 65 and older with different marital and parenting statuses across six countries (Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States) found a common pattern in five of the six countries: Women who have never had children and have remained single throughout their lives have broader social networks, and their friends are an important part of their daily support systems. This finding also indicates that women who remain single throughout their lives do not age alone.
- A study conducted in the U.S. found that women are more successful at living alone than men, while men fare relatively better when living with their spouses rather than alone. This difference is particularly evident in hobbies. Women are able to devote more time to their hobbies when living alone, while men do so when living with their spouses.
Some of the studies cited above show that married people live longer than those who are not married. This has given rise to the notion that “marry and live longer,” particularly for women, leading many to view their spouse not only as a life partner but also as a source of support. The value attributed to the institution of marriage thirty years ago has changed significantly today. Therefore, while there may be some truth to the idea that being married leads to a longer life, it is largely a myth; however, the presence of a spouse is important when facing health issues.
- In a situation requiring immediate medical attention, it’s good to have someone by your side who can call for help.
- It’s helpful to have someone who can remind you to take your medications or warn you if you’ve eaten an extra serving of food.
- Hospitals are among the most dangerous places in the world, and it’s crucial for a family member to notice any mistakes. For this reason, it is crucial to have someone by your bedside taking care of you when you are hospitalized.
- A spouse can also be helpful in easing your stress and calming you down after a difficult day. Of course, this does not apply to someone who constantly complains, criticizes, or overwhelms you with excessive demands.
However, none of these hold scientific value for the reason we mentioned at the beginning of this article. The decisive factor in the relationship between marriage and health is the level of satisfaction.
References
- Friedman, H. S., Martin, L. S.: The Longevity Project. 2011.
- Marriage and men’s health [Internet]. Available at: https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/marriage-and-mens-health#:~:text=Married%20men%20and%20mortality&text=Men%20who%20have%20marital%20partners,advantage%20over%20his%20unmarried%20peers.
- DePaulo B, Morris W. Singles in Society and in Science. Psychological Inquiry 2005; 16(2-3): 57-83.
(*) This article is adapted from the book *Hayatın Hakkını Vermek*, published by Doğan Kitap, with some modifications.
