A recent study tracking over 7,000 middle-aged and older Canadians for about three years revealed distinct patterns of optimal ageing related to marital status. It found that married men, or those who married during the study, were twice as likely to experience optimal ageing as their never-married counterparts. On the other hand, among women, those who had never married were twice as likely to age optimally compared to those who were married but became widowed or divorced during the study. There was no significant difference in optimal ageing between married women and their never-married counterparts.
“The relationship between marital status in later life and successful ageing is poorly understood. We aimed to explore how different marital paths correlate with physical health and well-being and to determine if these correlations differ between men and women,” stated Mabel Ho, the study’s lead author and a recent doctoral graduate from the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work and the Institute of Life Course and Aging. The researchers defined optimal ageing as the absence of severe physical, cognitive, mental, or emotional conditions that could hinder daily activities, coupled with high self-reported levels of happiness, good physical health, and mental well-being.
“Previous research has indicated that married individuals typically have better health outcomes than their unmarried counterparts, with never-married men showing the poorest health outcomes,” noted David Burnes, Professor and Canada Research Chair at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. “Married couples often encourage each other to maintain or adopt healthy lifestyles, which might include quitting smoking or regular physical exercise.” This suggests that the mutual support found in marriages may play a critical role in promoting health and well-being as individuals age.
The study also highlighted the importance of social connections for older adults. Those who were not socially isolated and regularly interacted with friends, relatives, and neighbours were likelier to maintain optimal health as they aged. “Social connections are crucial, especially in later life. Regular interactions with friends, family, and neighbours can help reduce feelings of loneliness, foster a sense of belonging, and enhance overall well-being,” explained Eleanor Pullenayegum, a Senior Scientist at The Hospital for Sick Children and a professor at the University of Toronto.
Additionally, the research emphasized the role of lifestyle factors in ageing well. Maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in physical activity, avoiding insomnia, and not smoking were all identified as key to achieving optimal health in later life. “Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is vital at any age. For instance, quitting smoking can significantly improve one’s chances of ageing well,” remarked Esme Fuller-Thomson, the study’s senior author and Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging at the University of Toronto’s Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work.
The study underlines the need to understand better gender-specific differences in ageing to support older men and women in their later years. The insights gathered could help shape the development of programs and services designed to assist older adults, particularly those who are single, widowed, or have gone through separation or divorce. Ho concluded, “Our findings can inform the development of programs and services to engage and support older adults, particularly those who were never married or experienced widowhood, separation, and divorce in later life.”
More information: Ho, M., Pullenayegum, E., Burnes, D., & Fuller-Thomson, E. (2024). The association between trajectories of marital status and successful aging varies by sex: Findings from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA). International Social Work, 0(0). DOI: 10.1177/00208728241267791
Journal information: International Social Work Provided by The University of Toronto
