The Health Advantages of Marriage

Marriage has changed over the years, but one thing remains constant – it has major health benefits. Studies have conclusively shown that married people tend to be healthier and live longer than their unmarried peers. They have lower rates of chronic and mental health issues, recover faster from illnesses, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors.

So why is marriage so good for your health? There are several evidence-based reasons.

 Emotional Support and Reduced Stress

One of the core advantages of marriage is having a life partner who provides love, understanding, and emotional support. This has tangible effects in reducing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline over the long run.

 The Calming Presence of a Spouse Can Lower Cortisol  

Numerous studies have shown that simply being around a spouse leads to lower cortisol and blood pressure levels compared to other social contacts. This is true for both men and women. The comfort of a romantic partner you know intimately and share your life with can neutralize stress almost instinctively.

Shared Burdens – Halved Worries

Moreover, having someone to share problems with halve your worries. You have a sympathetic ear who understands you perfectly. You can unwind about your work stress, family issues, financial burdens, etc. This cathartic release provides massive stress relief over months and years.

 An Automatic Emotional Support System

Unlike friends who you may not see for weeks, a spouse is a 24/7 emotional support system. They are automatically there for you at the end of each day when you need comfort, reassurance, appreciation for your efforts, and encouragement the most. This prevents stress buildup and bolsters mental health.

In essence, a good marriage equals better everyday emotional health. You have a reliable partner who has your back during life’s ups and downs. This acts as a buffer against the plunges into loneliness, anxiety, and depression.

 Healthier Lifestyles and Behaviour  

Spouses actively promote healthier lifestyles in each other including better diets, exercise, doctor visits, cutting down smoking/alcohol, and following medical advice.

 Motivation for Health Goals

Partners motivate each other in pursuing health goals like losing weight, hitting the gym regularly, or planning date nights involving hiking, dancing, etc. Nagging by a concerned wife has saved many husbands from descending into alcoholism or life-threatening obesity!

Accountability for Medications/Checkups

We are more accountable to others than ourselves. Prodding by your spouse makes you less likely to skip medications, doctor visits,  screenings, etc. – preventing minor conditions from becoming major ones.  

Domestic Health Protection

Stay-at-home spouses emphasize healthy homemade meals, home cleanliness/hygiene, and generally safer domestic environments. Studies confirm that home-cooked food reduces obesity/diabetes compared to eating out. Good hygiene and cleaning inhibit infections. Stay-at-home parents also closely monitor illnesses in children, preventing their spread.

 Caution Against Reckless Acts

Having a spouse and kids makes you more cautious – you avoid rash things like alcohol/drug abuse, dangerous driving/jobs, and adrenaline-junkie hobbies that could leave your family bereft. This prevents deaths and injuries in young adults especially.

 Emergency Aid

Spouses are the first line of rescue in case of issues like household accidents, physical emergencies, encouragement to seek help for symptoms, etc. Having someone there 24/7 has saved countless lives, especially in cases of choking, heart attacks, strokes, etc.

Protection Against Risk Factors

Married people see a lower incidence of factors that increase chronic disease risks like,

Less Substance Abuse

Married men drink less alcohol than single men. They also have lower rates of smoking, illegal drug use, and addiction/rehab treatments. Having a family causes you to avoid self-destructive habits that imperil your ability to care for your loved ones. Responsibilities promote sobriety.

 Less Risky Sexual Behaviors

Studies uniformly indicate married people have vastly lower rates of sexually transmitted diseases like HIV/AIDS due to monogamy. This reduces a key risk factor for cancers.

 Better Sleep  

Married people sleep better than those sleeping alone. Sharing a bed with a partner seems to have a soothing neurological effect reflected in better sleep quality. Getting better sleep is linked to better immunity, cognitive function, mental health, weight control, and recovery.

 Decreased Inflammation

Studies show married couples have lower levels of circulating inflammation-inducing chemicals like IL-6 and CRP compared to single people. Chronic inflammation is tied to obesity, heart disease, arthritis, dementia, and cancer. Having a spouse cuts this risk.

 Improved Mental Health

The companionship, emotional intimacy, and social stability provided by marriage protect against mental health issues like:

Lower Rates of Depression  

Multiple studies link marriage with much lower incidences of clinical depression and fewer self-harm attempts compared to never-married or divorced folk. Sharing a life with someone boosts self-esteem and confidence daily.

Decreased Anxiety/Phobias

Anxiety disorders and phobias are approximately 2-3x higher among unmarried individuals too. The comfort and reassurance provided by a steady romantic partner act as a remarkable salve against neuroticism.

 Reduced PTSD Symptoms

Married people have lower rates of PTSD as trauma survivors compared to those who underwent trauma while single. A supportive partner aids in healing deep psychological wounds – especially those caused by events like combat, abuse, etc.

Better Cognitive Function  

Long-term studies analyzing groups of married and unmarried people found that married ones had significantly lower dementia rates in old age. A spouse aids cognitive stimulation, provides loving care in illness, and enables early treatment.

In short, a stable marriage enables better mental health – reducing despair, neurotic tendencies, and cognitive decline.

 Longer Life Expectancy  

The cumulative impact of the above factors is that married people live about 5-10 years longer on average than lifelong bachelors/bachelorettes. The boost is similar to that seen with regular exercise or quitting smoking!

Let’s summarize the key points.

 Conclusion

I hope this breakdown of how marriage boosts health makes it clear why it has enduring benefits in the age of fleeting relationships. To recap, here are all the perks:

Emotional Support – decreased stress & cortisol, built-in empathy  

Healthier Lifestyles – motivation & accountability for fitness, diet etc. 

Risk Reduction – less substance abuse, infections, inflammation, etc.  

Mental Health – lower anxiety, depression, better cognitive function

Longer Life Span – 5-10 extra years on average!

So for those who are married or planning marriage – take heart. The occasional argument is a small price to pay for having a “partner in health” for life! Take care of your loved one – and reap shared rewards.