Being happy and staying happy is a goal for many people. And here’s what researchers say helps achieve it.
No one can deny it: finding happiness and being happy throughout your life is everyone’s dream. Although it’s obviously impossible to be completely happy all the time, there are things that help limit negative emotions. According to experts interviewed by National Geographicthere is a simple way to contribute to happiness in the long term. People who pass this milestone would be in better health, and not just physical, since it would also impact their mental health. Thus, getting married, even when you are old, would allow you to age happier.
This is particularly thanks to gestures and words of love: hugging each other, saying sweet words to each other, looking at each other tenderly… All of this contributes to the release of well-being hormones, such as dopamine and oxytocin. And this creates “a feeling of closeness and well-being”says licensed therapist Brooke Sprowl. Linda Waite, professor of sociology at the University of Chicago (United States) and author of a study on the subject, indicates that married people “are more likely to have an active sex life than people who do not have a partner”. However, this leads in particular to “less stress”.
As for Brian Willoubhy, researcher and professor of marital psychology, he indicates that we observe fewer cases of depression in those who have a husband or wife and that, if they suffer from this pathology, the outcome is generally better. Finally, from the age of 60, when the risk of social isolation doubles compared to young adults, having a partner limits loneliness. Does this mean that you absolutely have to get married? Well no, if unmarried partners live together and share the same responsibilities as married couples, they also benefit from these benefits.
However, the experts interviewed wish to emphasize that, in all cases, to obtain these advantageous effects, the relationship must be of quality and healthy. Rosie Shrout, marital researcher and psychologist, indicates that stress levels are higher in conflictual relationships, where communication is aggressive or passive-aggressive. Neuroscientist Stephanie Cacioppo adds: “Our brains are wired for social connection, and it is the quality of these connections that profoundly influences our mental and physical health. Without deep emotional connection, the protective benefits of marriage may not fully materialize.”