Marriage has often been described as one of the most significant decisions anyone can make in life. Apart from the emotional benefits, it turns out that being married also has a considerable influence on one’s overall health and well-being.

With growing scientific evidence linking marriage to better health outcomes, it’s clear that married couples do have something to brag about. Here are some of the benefits associated with being married:.

Lower Risk of Heart Diseases

According to a study conducted by the American College of Cardiology, married couples have a significantly lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

The study found that unmarried individuals were 42% more likely to experience coronary heart disease and 16% more likely to have a stroke compared to married couples. Furthermore, married individuals tend to have lower blood pressure, which significantly reduces their chances of developing heart-related illnesses.

Better Mental Health

Being in a marriage has been linked to better mental health outcomes. According to a study conducted by the University of Bristol, individuals who are married or cohabiting are less likely to suffer from depression compared to single individuals.

The study found that married individuals typically have more substantial support systems, which reduces stress levels and promotes overall well-being. Furthermore, spouses are more likely to be invested in each other’s happiness, resulting in better mental health outcomes overall.

Reduced Risk of Dementia

Studies have shown that dementia is less prevalent in married couples compared to those who are single.

The National Institute for Aging found that the chances of developing dementia among married partners were much lower than their unmarried counterparts. The reason for this is that married couples tend to have more stimulating social interactions, which promotes mental agility and prevents dementia.

Reduced Risk of Cancer

Being in a marriage has been associated with a reduced risk of developing various cancers. The National Cancer Institute found that married individuals were less likely to develop cancer than single individuals.

Furthermore, for couples where one partner develops cancer, being married is often associated with better survival outcomes. Researchers believe this is because the emotional and physical support provided by a spouse can significantly reduce the stress associated with cancer treatment.

Better Sleep Quality

Studies have consistently shown that married individuals typically have better sleep quality compared to single individuals.

A study conducted by the University of Pittsburgh found that married individuals report fewer sleep disturbances compared to their single counterparts. This is because married couples tend to have beneficial bedtime routines, which promote better sleep quality.

Promotes a Healthier Lifestyle

Being in a marriage has been linked to adopting a healthier lifestyle. Studies have shown that married partners are more likely to encourage each other to exercise regularly, eat healthily, and keep up healthy habits.

Furthermore, maintaining a healthy relationship has been linked to lower levels of smoking and drug abuse, which are known to take a significant toll on one’s health.

Reduced Stress Levels

Married individuals typically report lower levels of stress compared to their single counterparts.

According to a study conducted by Carnegie Mellon University, married individuals had lower levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress, than those who are unmarried. Furthermore, being married provides a more substantial support system, which can significantly reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being.

Better Access to Healthcare

Being in a marriage provides better access to healthcare than being single.

According to a study conducted by the American Psychological Association, married couples are more likely to have health insurance and utilize healthcare services than unmarried individuals. Furthermore, spouses tend to monitor each other’s health more closely, and in case of any concerns, they are quick to seek medical attention.

Longer Life Expectancy

Marriage has been associated with a longer life expectancy. According to a study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health, being in a marriage can add up to seven years to one’s life.

Furthermore, married individuals are less likely to die early from illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Part of the reason for this is that marriage provides an emotional support system that promotes physical and mental well-being.

In Conclusion

Being in a marriage has been linked to numerous health benefits that go beyond emotional fulfillment.

From better sleep quality, reduced stress levels, and better mental health outcomes, being married has a significant impact on one’s overall well-being. If you’re looking to improve your quality of life, perhaps taking that significant step towards marriage is worth the consideration.