A recent study that followed more than 7,000 Canadians, middle-aged and older, for approximately three years found that married men or men who became married during the study period were twice as likely to age optimally compared to their never-married male peers.

Among women, however, those who had never married were twice as likely to age optimally compared to married respondents who became widowed or divorced during the study period. Married women did not differ significantly from never-married women with respect to optimal aging.

The researchers defined optimal aging as freedom from any serious physical, cognitive, mental, or emotional conditions that prevent daily activities, as well as high levels of self-reported happiness, good physical health, and mental health. The sample for the current study was restricted to the 40% of participants who were deemed to be successfully aging at the start of the study.

Older adults who were not socially isolated were more likely to maintain optimal health in old age. Those who had regular contact with relatives, friends and neighbors also were more likely to age optimally compared to older adults who were socially isolated.

The study also found that lifestyle factors such as maintaining a healthy body weight, being physically active, not having insomnia and not smoking were important in maintaining optimal health in later life.

"It is so important to maintain a healthy lifestyle, no matter how old we are. For example, it is never too late to quit smoking," said senior author Esme Fuller-Thomson, Director of the Institute for Life Course & Aging and Professor at the University of Toronto's Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. "In our study those who were former smokers were much more likely to be aging optimally than those who continued to smoke."

The authors said the findings could inform the development of programs and services to engage and support older adults, particularly those who were never married or experienced widowhood, separation, and divorce in later life.

To read the full study, published in International Social Work, click here