AUSTRALIA: Marriage helps you live longer

SYDNEY (The Daily Telegraph), August 3, 2008: By Sharon Labi and Carmel Melouney WOMEN have always suspected that men can't live without them - now figures have proved it. Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows that men who lose their lifelong partner often die soon afterwards. Widowers over 85 have the highest rate of death per 1000 (191.6), while married men in the same age group have a death rate of only 140.3 per 1000. "It seems longevity and marriage are directly linked ... and marriage is good for your health,'' Ageing Minister Justine Elliot, whose office analysed the figures, said. Married people have lower death rates and live longer because they are more likely to look out for each other's health, serve as role models to children and engage in less-risky behaviour. A real-life example became public last week when Sydney couple Marie and Frank Cotton, who had been married for 65 years, died within hours of each other. Their son, Doug Cotton, said his parents' long, happy marriage and their common interests had contributed to their longevity. He said their marriage helped in terms of "being happy overall, not stressed about finding a partner, or stressed about loneliness''. Social researcher Mark McCrindle said that, for the elderly, the loss of a partner often led to a decline in mental health and loss of purpose. Psychologically, having a purpose and a reason and a longing for life does assist in purpose and, indeed, motivation and health - and, therefore, longevity,'' he said. Demographer David Chalke said many elderly men struggled after losing their wives. "They've lost their lifelong companion, and they don't know what to do,'' he said. Suddenly, their life is empty. You have built a life together, and suddenly one's gone.'' Australians now have the second-longest life expectancy in the world, after the Japanese - and marriage can take some of the credit. Women can expect to live to 83.7, while men can expect to reach 79. By 2050, life expectancy will improve by five years and marriage can take some of the credit. "There is stacks of evidence to say that married couples, even as distinct from de factos, are happier, wealthier and living more satisfying lives,'' Mr Chalke said. "The companionship that comes from marriage is also a well-known beneficial factor, in the psychological sense. "When there are two people, they tend to look out for each other, and it's easier to prevent the other getting into bad habits.'' Australia has 2800 centenarians, with the number expected to swell to 12,000 by 2020 and 78,000 by 2055. Liverpool couple Carina and Galiber Cortez, who were married in November, 2007, are hoping to grow old together. The couple, who first met in Year 3 at Lewisham Public School, believe marriage has brought them closer. There is definitely an anti-marriage sentiment out there these days and it's not for everyone - but we love it,'' Mrs Cortez said. "When you're married, you focus on a totally different lifestyle, and you want to be fit and healthy to be able to do the things you enjoy together, like going on holidays.'' Copyright 2008 News Limited.