Study: Married gay people are happier than single ones

Underscoring the obvious for those of us who are happily married, a new study proves that same-sex marriage may offer the same benefits as heterosexual marriage – physical and mental well-being for spouses.

The University of Washington research – part of the national longitudinal investigation: Aging with Pride: National Health, Aging, Sexuality/Gender Study – is among the first look at health and social impacts of same-sex marriage.

The UW study surveyed more than 1,800 LGBT people, ages 50 and older. Subjects were in 2014 in locations where gay marriage was already legal — 32 states and Washington, D.C.

About 25% were married, another 25% were in a committed relationship, and 50% were single. Married respondents had spent an average of 23 years together, while those in a committed, unmarried relationship had spent an average of 16 years.

“There were big gaps for health and well-being between married gay couples and gay singles,” lead author Jayn Goldsen, research study supervisor in the UW School of Social Work.

More study is needed to understand why married gays fare the better than single. Financial resources, children, living together, and being “out of the closet” are variables that are factors.

via NY Daily News