A happy marriage is good for a man’s health

New research has revealed a happy marriage can actually be good for your health. Results of a recent study have shown that men are less at risk of suffering a stroke, if they are happily married.

A study conducted by Uri Goldbout of Tel Aviv University looked at 10,000 Israeli men over several decades. Questionnaires completed by the men in the 1960’s were scrutinised. One of the questions they were asked was to rate the success of their marriage.

After taking into consideration socio-economical factors, blood pressure and smoking, which all contribute to the threat of a stroke, the scientists were shocked to discover a very definite link between happy marriages and a reduced chance of suffering a stroke.

The research revealed that single men, and those in unhappy marriages, were 64% more likely to suffer a fatal stroke than a man in a happy marriage. Dr Goldbout who lead the research said that he was even astonished by the results saying: “I had not expected that unsuccessful marriage would be of this statistical importance.”

No research has yet been conducted to discover if women benefit health-wise from being part of a happy marriage, however scientists say this is the next area they are hoping to investigate.

Despite the marked link between happy relationships and wellbeing, experts have stressed that a healthy lifestyle with a sensible diet and regular exercise is key to reducing the risk if stroke.