Marriage Impacts Aging Differently for Men and Women, Canadian Study Finds

A recent Canadian study of over 7,000 older adults has uncovered fascinating insights into how marriage impacts aging—and the results differ dramatically between men and women. The study, conducted over three years, analyzed the effects of marital status on individuals aged 60 and older, revealing that being married or single plays a crucial role in how well someone ages.

For men, being married or getting married later in life significantly improved their chances of “aging optimally.” In fact, men in these categories were twice as likely to age well compared to those who had never married. On the other hand, the findings for women tell a different story: women who had never married were twice as likely to age optimally compared to those who experienced widowhood or divorce during the study.

Exploring the Link Between Marriage and Aging

Mabel Ho, the lead author of the study and a doctoral graduate from the University of Toronto, sought to investigate how marital trajectories impact physical health and well-being in old age. “Little is known about how marriage affects successful aging, and we wanted to explore whether these effects varied for men and women,” she explained.

The study defined “optimal aging” as being free from serious physical, cognitive, or mental conditions that prevent daily activities, while also maintaining high levels of self-reported happiness, physical health, and mental well-being.

Interestingly, for women, there was no significant difference in aging outcomes between those who were married and those who had never married. However, women who had experienced widowhood or divorce had a harder time maintaining optimal health and well-being, highlighting the emotional and physical toll these life changes can have.

Why Marriage Benefits Men’s Aging

David Burnes, a professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto, provided insights into why marriage seems to benefit men more as they age. “Marriage is often associated with better health outcomes, particularly for men. Being married may encourage healthier behaviors, like quitting smoking or exercising regularly, which improves health over time,” Burnes said.

In fact, the study found that men who had never married generally experienced the poorest health outcomes. Marriage may provide a support system that helps maintain a healthier lifestyle, which translates into better aging.

The Role of Social Connections in Aging Well

One of the key findings of the study was the importance of social connections in successful aging. Participants who maintained regular contact with family, friends, or neighbors were more likely to age well compared to those who were socially isolated. Eleanor Pullenayegum, a senior scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), emphasized the significance of these interactions. “Staying socially connected is essential for older adults to maintain a sense of belonging, reduce loneliness, and improve overall well-being,” she explained.

Healthy Lifestyle Choices for Successful Aging

The study also identified several lifestyle factors that contribute to successful aging, regardless of marital status. These included maintaining a healthy body weight, staying physically active, avoiding insomnia, and quitting smoking. Former smokers were much more likely to age optimally compared to those who continued smoking, further underscoring the benefits of healthy habits.

Esme Fuller-Thomson, the senior author of the study and Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging, emphasized the importance of making positive lifestyle changes at any age. “It’s never too late to quit smoking or adopt healthier habits. Doing so can dramatically improve your chances of aging well,” she stated.

Sex-Specific Differences in Aging

One of the most significant revelations from this study is how differently men and women experience aging based on their marital histories. While marriage seems to boost men’s health as they age, single women fared better than those who had experienced the loss of a spouse or a divorce. Ho concluded that understanding these sex-specific differences is vital for supporting older adults in leading healthy lives.

“Our study highlights the need to recognize the differences in how men and women age. By understanding these variations, we can create better support systems and services to help older adults thrive,” Ho explained.

The study, titled “The association between trajectories of marital status and successful aging varies by sex: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA),” was recently published in International Social Work. It used data from over 7,600 respondents and sheds light on the complex relationship between marital status and aging.

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