But it could be worth saving your pennies – as researchers have found that getting married later in life has no significant effect on wellbeing. They compared how depressive symptoms and life satisfaction change when people move in with or marry a new partner. Analysis revealed that when people over 50 enter into a new relationship and seal it by moving in together, their life satisfaction increases significantly. Sociologists looked at 2,820 people who were surveyed about their life satisfaction, general health and mental health over 18 years. ‘This may explain why life satisfaction after marriage doesn’t measure up for women, compared to when they are living with their partner and thinking about getting married.’

Source: Daily Mail February 21, 2026 03:42 UTC