Examining predictors of marital satisfaction among age-similar and age-discrepant older couples

Sociocultural and demographic trends suggest the importance of examining the marital experience among older adults, and those who are in non-traditional marriages in particular. The current study examined the marital experiences of middle-aged and older individuals who are involved in long-term (15 yrs. or longer) age-similar (n = 35) and age-discrepant marriages (n = 35). All information was gathered through telephone interviews. Analysis of variance tests examined mean differences as a function of type of marriage (2; ADM and AS) and gender (2). These analyses revealed no differences between marriage types on a number of measures of marital satisfaction. However, gender differences, consistent with the literature, emerged on most measures. Given the growing percentage of older adults and the link between marital satisfaction and well being, the results of this study suggest the importance of additional research examining gender-based differences in marital satisfaction