Is Delaying Marriage Beneficial in Later Life? Age at Marriage and Psychological and Cognitive Health in Later Life in India.

ABSTRACT:

Background and objectives

Previous research on the effects of age at marriage in low- and middle-income countries has predominantly examined the influence of child marriage on women's reproductive, sexual, and mental health outcomes. However, this research has focused on younger populations and has not examined how age at marriage may affect health in later life. We posit that the experience of adversities associated with child marriage has an enduring influence on cognitive and psychological health in later life. In addition, we investigate whether getting married in India at age 21, the current legal age at marriage for men, is associated with better health outcomes for both men and women.

Research design and methods

We analyze data from the second wave of the World Health

SUBMITTER: Vikram K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12287696 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature