Women’s positive influence may tip the scale towards greater longevity.
By Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
It’s not uncommon for men to marry younger women. But an age gap of 16 or so years may offer surprising benefits.
A study by German demographer Sven Drefahl indicates that a man who’s 50 and marries a woman 16 years younger is 4% less likely to die by the end of the year than those who marry a contemporary. By contrast, women who are 16 years older than their husbands are 40% more likely to die by the end of the year.
Drefahl’s study doesn’t indicate why older wives die sooner. Perhaps women who marry younger men don’t mind defying societal norms (since women typically don’t marry younger men) and also are more likely to engage in risky behavior. They may face isolation as their “unusual” age difference cuts them off from other people who judge them for their decision. The benefits afforded the older party don’t seem to apply when it’s the woman who is older.
It makes sense that a younger wife can mean for the older husband a longer life. The matter may lie in the positive changes she brings to his life. If this is a second wife, she may put some wind in his sails after the death or divorce of a previous wife. Change can be stimulating. He may become more social by meeting her young, dynamic friends—people who think differently than his contemporaries. Engaging in socialization with new people helps foster greater longevity.
A younger wife can bring fresh new ideas to someone who is becoming a little stuck in his ways. This could include trying new, healthful foods instead of sticking with unhealthful processed foods. Many younger people are well-educated about healthful eating. Kale smoothie, anyone? But this effect will only work if he’s willing to make positive dietary changes.
The same holds true for physical activity. Instead of maintaining a sedentary lifestyle, many younger people like to–and are healthy and fit enough—to stay physically active. If she can get him out of the recliner and into the gym or on the walking trail, that extra movement could add years to his life. A wife his age may be less motivating when it comes to exercise as she is experiencing similar age-related aches and pains. The same holds true for intimacy. A same-age wife may lack the libido of a younger wife.
In general, younger people are more internet-savvy and likely to turn to reputable, up-to-date sources online to find sound health information. This can help the older husband to become more proactive about his health with preventive screenings (did you know that the onset of colonoscopies is now 45?).
Of course, establishing a marriage should be based upon love, trust and mutual respect. But gaining a few extra healthy years represents a nice perk. But that only holds true if the younger wife promotes good health and if her older husband adopts new, healthful habits.