Marital status among older Americans
The marital landscape for Americans aged 65 and older is influenced by factors like gender, rising "gray divorce" rates, and declining widowhood. Unlike younger generations where marriage rates have decreased, the rate for older adults has slightly increased, partly due to the aging Baby Boomer generation.
The overall trend for adults 65+
In 2022, 57.4% of U.S. adults aged 65 and older were married, an increase from 54.3% in 1990. This rise is attributed to increased longevity for both men and women, leading to less widowhood, and a greater tendency for remarriage.
Significant gender disparities in marriage at 65+
There are notable differences in marital status between older men and women.
- Men: Nearly 70% (69.8%) of men aged 65 and older were married in 2022. Marriage remains common, although this percentage has slightly decreased since 1990. The share of divorced men in this age group has also grown.
- Women: Less than half (47.3%) of women aged 65 and older were married in 2022. This is largely due to higher male mortality and increased likelihood of widowhood for women. However, the percentage of married older women has increased since 1990 as fewer experience widowhood due to longer life expectancies.
What has changed for older adults?
Marital trends for the 65+ age group have changed significantly. The increase in marriage rates is a result of demographic shifts, including the aging Baby Boomer generation, longer lifespans, and evolving social views on divorce and remarriage.
- Decline in widowhood: Widowhood has significantly decreased, from 35.3% of older adults in 1990 to 20.9% in 2022, largely due to increased life expectancy for men.
- Rise of gray divorce: Divorce among older adults, known as "gray divorce," has become more common. The percentage of divorced older adults was nearly three times higher in 2022 (15.2%) than in 1990 (5.2%). This trend is reshaping family structures and contributing to remarriage.
- Remarriage trends: Many older adults are remarrying after divorce or widowhood. In 2016, 23% of individuals aged 60 to 69 had married at least twice. Remarriages contribute to the higher percentage of currently married older adults.
Comparison of marital status trends for older men and women
Examining the distribution of marital status by gender provides a clearer picture. The table below shows the differences based on 2022 data.
| Marital Status | Men Aged 65+ (2022) | Women Aged 65+ (2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Married | 69.8% | 47.3% |
| Divorced | 13.1% | 16.8% |
| Widowed | 10.3% | 29.5% |
| Never Married | 6.9% | 6.4% |
Older men are more likely to be married, while older women are more likely to be widowed. Divorce rates are slightly higher for women in this age group.
Societal and financial implications
Changes in senior marital status have societal and financial impacts. Married older adults often have better economic standing, while widowed and never-married seniors face higher poverty rates. Marriage can also offer benefits for life expectancy and well-being. These trends influence retirement, housing, and social support as the population ages.
Conclusion
While 57.4% of Americans aged 65 and older were married in 2022, this statistic reflects complex underlying factors. Older men are considerably more likely to be married than older women due to differences in life expectancy and widowhood patterns. Widowhood has decreased, but divorce rates among older adults have risen, with many choosing to remarry. These ongoing shifts highlight the dynamic nature of family life in later years and impact the financial and social well-being of the aging population.
How marital status affects longevity and well-being
Research indicates that marriage can positively impact longevity and active life expectancy (ALE) for older adults. Studies have shown that married individuals at age 65 tend to have longer total life expectancy and ALE compared to their unmarried counterparts. These benefits may decrease with age, and the quality of the marriage also plays a role, with unhappy marriages potentially linked to more chronic health conditions. While selection bias is a factor, evidence suggests genuine benefits from stable marital relationships in later life. [https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/love-and-loss-among-older-adults.html]
