The year 2022 proved to be the year of weddings in France! Indeed, more than 240,000 unions were celebrated around the country last year, and a whopping 300,000 ceremonies are expected in 2023. If marriage has indeed become so popular, a study conducted by Harvard researchers, and noted by Psychologies, has unveiled the unsought effects that this life stage has on well-being.
Live long, live married!
Do you wish to live longer? Then say “I do”! At least that’s what a study published in 2013 by researchers from Harvard’s radio-oncology program claims. To determine the impact of marriage on life, they analyzed the data of 735,000 patients over a period of eight years and found that married individuals tend to live longer than singles. The study also unveiled the beneficial role of wives in contributing to the health and well-being of their husbands. According to the study’s findings, wives tend to be deeply involved when it comes to providing support for their partners. They also ensure that their spouses strictly follow their treatments and doctors’ recommendations, benefiting men more whereas women might seek other forms of support.
A happy marriage, the key to better physical health
These findings coincide with another study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family. The authors of this research followed 1,681 people with 20 years of marriage under their belt to determine the effects of marriage on their well-being. The results: Individuals who were happier in their marriages exhibited better physical health compared to those less content. The study also highlighted activities which can foster a sense of fulfillment in marriage. The secret to a happy married life therefore lies in the ability of couples to share quality moments, such as romantic dinners or strolls, together.
