Having a happy spouse may be related to better health, at least among middle-aged and older adults, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association.
The study examined the survey information of couples age 50 to 94, including happiness, self-rated health and physical activity over a six-year period. The results showed no difference between husbands and wives in the study.
Participants answered questions about their health, including level of physical impairment, chronic illnesses and level of physical activity, as well as any concerns they had regarding their spouse’s health. Participants rated their own happiness and life satisfaction.
The study was led by William Chopik, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University.
The researchers found that people with happy spouses were much more likely to report better health over time.
According to the study’s lead author, there are at least three potential reasons why having a happy partner might enhance a person’s health, irrespective of one’s own happiness:
– Happy partners likely provide stronger social support, such as caretaking, as compared to unhappy partners who are more likely to be focused on their own stressors.
– Happy partners may get unhappy people involved with activities and environments that promote good health, such as maintaining regular sleep cycles, eating nutritious food and exercising.
– Being with a happy partner should make a person’s life easier even if not explicitly happier.
The research was published by American Psychological Association.