Health Benefits of Marriage
There are health benefits of marriage. I have repeatedly experienced it with my good man!
In February my hubby, Les and I headed south in his camper van. It was a beautiful, sunny morning when we arrived at the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in time to catch the Raptor Free Flight demonstrations of birds-of-prey flying, swooping and landing for their strategically placed treats. The crowd was thick but we had a clear spot of viewing along the railing looking into the sun.
About 40 minutes after taking our position I felt dizzy and disoriented with blurred vision. “Les, water please.” The gulp did not help. We exited the crowd, found a shaded bench and I rested my head on Les’ lap. He attentively wet a sleeve of my cotton jacket and placed it over my head. Eventually, a kind security guard transported us in his golf-cart type vehicle to the restaurant and gave us a gentle lesson on dehydration. I had all the signs of it! This was a good reminder of the importance of drinking adequate water.
But even more, I was reminded of the healing power of a loving relationship. A line came back to me from a January 13 MACLEAN’S magazine article, titled How Marriage Can Save Your Life—“We are designed, not just emotionally and socially, but physiologically, to live in close connection with people who will come when we call.”
Research from around the world confirms that those in caring, attentive and loving marriages gain health benefits. The statistics do not support gains from common law relationships. Here are research findings:
- The Journal of Clinical Oncology (2013): Married patients lived 20% longer than those who were single, divorced or widowed.
- Brigham Young University: In China and Taiwan marital quality affected health outcomes including depression.
- University of Virginia: Women who held their husbands’ hands experienced less pain.
- University of Rochester (2011): A happy marriage tripled long-term survival after bypass surgery.
Additional Researched of the Benefits of Marriage:
- Improved Mental Health: Marriage is often associated with lower rates of depression and a decreased risk of developing mood disorders. Having a supportive spouse can provide emotional stability and reduce feelings of loneliness.
- Lower Stress Levels: Being in a loving and stable marriage can lead to reduced stress levels. Emotional support from a spouse can help individuals cope better with life’s challenges.
- Longer Life Expectancy: As mentioned, married individuals tend to live longer than those who are single, divorced, or widowed. This may be due in part to the emotional and social support that marriage provides.
- Better Physical Health: Married couples are more likely to encourage healthy behaviors in each other, such as regular exercise and a balanced diet. This can contribute to better physical health and a lower risk of chronic illnesses.
- Lower Risk of Substance Abuse: Marriage has been linked to a decreased likelihood of engaging in substance abuse. The accountability and support of a spouse can deter individuals from harmful behaviors.
- Faster Recovery from Illness: Studies have shown that married individuals often experience quicker recovery from illnesses and surgeries. The emotional and practical support of a spouse can aid in the healing process.
- Enhanced Financial Stability: Marriage can provide financial stability and security. Combining incomes and sharing expenses can lead to a more comfortable financial situation for couples.
- Better Parenting: In the context of raising children, married couples often work together as a team, providing a stable and nurturing environment for their children’s development.
- Reduced Risk of Loneliness in Old Age: Marriage can help combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation that can accompany old age. Having a lifelong companion can provide emotional support and companionship.
- Improved Immune Function: Research suggests that married individuals may have enhanced immune function, which can lead to better protection against illnesses.
Some of those benefits come from what some would describe as nagging, which women do more frequently. Spouses remind one another to stop smoking, go for check-ups and follow-up with their doctor. Hence, husbands gain the most from being married.
It’s important to note that the benefits of marriage may vary depending on the quality of the relationship. A healthy, supportive, and loving marriage is more likely to yield these positive effects.
Additionally, while marriage can have many benefits, it may not be the right choice for everyone, and individuals can also achieve similar benefits through strong social networks, close friendships, and other forms of support. So, should you be single, do not jump on LavaLife to immediately mate! Here is a finding to give perspective to the above data:
- Northwestern University: Single people are better off than people in toxic marriages!
All of us, to protect and deal with our health, are best to:
- Check our life style and correct poor habits.
- Eat nutritious foods, get adequate sleep and regularly exercise.
- Accept supportive and loving help from one or more people.
Lastly, if you are in a caring marriage, please protect it as it may save your life! Cherish it! Nurture it!
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