Marital strain may be particularly damaging to older couples' health, says a new study.

    The new finding was based on data from a survey of U.S. adults begun in 1986. The researchers focused on 1,049 men and women who were interviewed at three points over eight years and remained married throughout that time.

    Overall, the study found, men and women who experienced more marital woes also reported a steeper decline in their health over time. But when the participants were examined in three age groups - 30, 50 and 70, only the last group showed negative health effects.

    Similarly, only older adults showed health benefits from a happy marriage, the research found.

    Lead researcher Dr. Debra Umberson of the University of Texas-Austin said there are several reasons that older adults could be more vulnerable to marital woes.

    Chronic stress can have a cumulative effect on health over time. Older adults are more susceptible to these effects due to declines in immune function and a higher rate of health problems such as heart disease than younger people, Umberson said.

    As older adults may be less open to marriage counseling, Umberson advised them to speak with someone they trust to address their marital woes. Enditem

    (Agencies)