New research from Canada reveals what many men already believe – marriage is more ‘successful’ for men. While my ex-wife might say that’s stating the obvious, there is some nuance to this research.
The study in question looked at the sex-specific impact of marital trajectories among older adults on successful ageing. In other words, as we get older, is marriage more advantageous for successful ageing and is the answer different for men and women?
The motivation for the study was that Canada’s population is rapidly ageing. Australia’s population is following a similar trajectory. Given the two countries share similar cultures, the study’s findings could be relevant here, too.
Social workers could be advised of groups in which ageing is, in the words of the authors, “sub-optimal”. In turn, better outcomes could be achieved through targeted intervention.
Marriage and successful ageing
Perhaps the first question to be asked here is: What is successful ageing? Success can, of course, be measured in many ways. One person’s definition of success could be very different to another’s.
The authors themselves acknowledge that “the concept of ‘successful ageing’ is not without its critics”. With that in mind, they outlined their version. “This study defines successful ageing as a combination of physical, psychological, mental, and social wellness wherein psychological, mental, and social reserves can compensate for physical limitations.”
That’s quite a mouthful. Fortunately, the authors also offered up a more compact and easier-to-digest version. “In other words, an older adult can still experience successful ageing if s/he is living with chronic diseases and/or disabilities.”
So, with those formalities done, what did the research actually tell us? The study followed more than 7000 Canadians, middle-aged and older, for approximately three years.
It found that married men, or men who became married during the study period, were the ‘winners’. This group was twice as likely to age optimally compared to their never-married male peers. They were also significantly more likely to age successfully than women who got married during the study period.
What about women?
That’s not to say that taking on marriage during the study period was not good for women. Indeed their likelihood of successful ageing also increased significantly, but the increase was greater still for men.
On the other hand, women who had never married had a far greater rate of success than married women who became widowed or divorced during the study period. They were twice as likely to age optimally.
Men who lost their marriage partner through death or separation during the three-year period had only a slightly lower rate of success than never-married men.
Comparing never-married women to married women who didn’t become widowed or divorced during the study, no significant difference was found.
Marriage – the big picture
So what’s the bottom line here? The figures show that getting married during the three-year study period boosted the chances of ageing successfully. This was true for both men and women, although more so for men.
On the other hand a marriage ending, through either separation or death, will likely reduce the chances of successful ageing.
However, those who remained continuously widowed or divorced/separated had a greater chance of success than those who never married. It was a slight advantage overall but significant in widowed men.
This suggests a marriage ending through death or separation is likely to reduce the successful ageing in the short term. In one sense, this is not really surprising. The loss of a partner regardless of the circumstances can be expected to cause at least some temporary trauma.
Translating this knowledge to action
The study concludes: “Social policies and social work interventions are needed to support older adults in connecting with others.” It also suggests that “developing a social support network that may help them achieve successful ageing in later life”.
As someone who went through a divorce many years ago, my own experience aligns with these recommendations. For me, the first two or three years after the marriage ended were the hardest by far. And it was through friends and my local cricket club that I recovered and rebuilt my life.
Of course, my story will differ from others. But this research suggests that support after a marriage ends, particularly through social connection, increases everyone’s chances of successful ageing.
Have you lost a partner through separation or death? Did you feel it had a negative impact on your chances of successful ageing? Let us know via the comments section below.
Also read: Single and satisfied – separated over-50s women happy to go it alone
Disclaimer: This article contains general information about health issues and is not advice. For health advice, consult your medical practitioner.
Are you married? Would you say its had a positive effect on your health? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: The rise of ‘grey divorces’
