For the first time, single people now outnumber their married peers with fewer than a quarter of a million couples expected to get married this year. Studies have shown that married couples tend to live longer than single or co-habiting peers because they tend to eat healthier diets, smoke and drink less and seek medical help earlier when faced with a problem.

But, not all health benefits can be easily explained by researchers. For example, married men and women are less likely to have arthritis, diabetes, back problems, migraines, varicose veins, and colds. But interestingly, the benefits are better for men than the women. Perhaps it comes down to the stereotype of the dutiful wife who cares for her husband – which is then reflected in reality as well. Women also suffer if the marriage breaks down, suffering the strain physically. Unhappy married women are more likely to have high blood pressure, raised cholestoerol levels and be overweight.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) in the UK found that widowed men and single mothers suffered the worst health, with the greatest number of acute and chronic conditions. The mortality rate for single men aged between 30 and 59 two and half times higher than those who are married. Wives with children are also the healthiest of their gender, a sharp contrast to single mothers who have a greater chance of developing a long-term ilness.

The ONS analysis also indicates marriage can lead to better care for couples when they are older in comparison to their single or co-habiting peers. Well-being is less likely for those who are not married as the figures imply bad relationships and separations are linked to poor health. In particular, single, divorced and widowed older women have higher mortality rates than those who are married.

The relationship between parents can also affect the health of their offspring.In addition, children whose parents live together but are not married are more likely to get poorer results at school, abandon education earlier and develop a serious illness. Governmental figures also predict that a third of today’s teenagers will end up co-habiting instead of marrying and expect married couples to make up less than half the population by 2014.

So what are the secrets to a happy and healthy married life? The report says that an older groom, telling your partner daily that you love them, a romantic meal out every fortnight and sex three times a week!

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