5 Good Reasons Why You Should Get Married
Marriage is the foundation for forming a family, which in turn forms the most basic unit of society. We live in a world where the importance of commitment in relationships and marriage is often debated or undervalued. However, besides benefitting society, different researchers have repeatedly found happily married couples to be healthier too.
Here are some facts about the benefits of being married:
1. Longer life
It is said that the longer a man stays married, the greater his survival advantage over his unmarried peers. But is marriage itself responsible for better health and longer life? Yes, it is indeed true!
Numerous studies have established that on average, the life expectancy of married men is seven years more than those who are single. For women, marriage seems to add three years to life.
2. Less stress and more happiness
Several studies have found that married people are twice as likely to report being “happy with life” and less than half as likely to be “not too happy” compared to either single, cohabiting, separated, divorced, or widowed people. The intense passion and ups and downs of fleeting romance can take a toll on your mental health. People in long-term, stable relationships generally report a lower level of stress.
3. Less depression
Getting married and staying married reduces depression in both men and women. This finding is quite understandable considering that social isolation has deep links to depression. A US study found that mental health improves consistently and substantially after marriage and deteriorates substantially after divorce or separation. Also, responsibility seems to motivate people to reach their maximum potential when they are married.
4. Better immunity and healthier lifestyle
In a remarkable study conducted among people more than 65 years of age, it was found that those who said they were happily married had much higher levels of antibodies, indicating better immunity. Also, married people are less likely to smoke, drink heavily, or be physically inactive. They are more likely to eat better and have more resources for a healthier life.
5. Healthier children
A stable marriage seems to give children the best chance as compared to single parenting or cohabitation. Children raised by their two, married, biological parents tend to do better on most physical and behavioral parameters.
While we list the advantages of marriage, do note that all these benefits mostly relate to a “happy” marriage. An abusive or strained relationship is detrimental to your well-being. However, a happy marriage is not a mere matter of chance. Value your marriage and work on building your relationship with your partner. If you hit a stage where you think it’s really not working out, do consider seeking professional help.
For any query related to relationships, consult a Psychologist at Ask a Doctor 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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