Happy Marriage, Healthier Spouses
By Joan McClusky
The study, which followed 700 couples over 20 years, found that each partner's health can be affected by both positive and negative interactions at all stages of marriage. The researchers reported that people who have happy marriages are more likely to give their health a higher rating as they age.
The health benefits may be strong enough that working on your marriage can improve your health throughout your years as a couple. Engaging your partner can lift your spirits and wellbeing, while lowering your stress level.
On the flip side, aging adults whose physical health is on the decline could benefit from improving their marriage, the researchers said. If you have a chronic health condition, your marital relationship can be an important part of your treatment plan. And understanding a partner's health issues and how to manage them at home can improve the health of both partners. This is especially important as you grow old together.