April 2017 – Married adults are significantly happier than their single, divorced, or widowed counterparts, a collection of research shows. For instance, for men, marriage improves wellbeing and quality of life on several levels.
The National Health and Social Life Survey reports that 51% of married men experience sexual satisfaction compared to 39% of cohabiting men and 36% of single men. The General Social Survey has found that 43% of married men ages 20-39 say they are very happy with life, compared to 20% of single men and 21% of cohabiting men. Research from Institute for Family Studies has also found that married men are more likely to live longer and to earn a larger income.
In a notable exception, one demographic experiences as much happiness as its married counterparts. A study out of Bowling Green University presented at the American Sociological Association in August 2016 found that never-married women ages 60 and older are equally as happy as married older women.
