It may seem surprising, but drinking with your partner could contribute to a longer life and a happier marriage. A recent study published in The Gerontologist suggests that couples with similar drinking habits tend to live longer and enjoy greater marital satisfaction
The research, conducted by Dr. Kira Birditt of the Survey Research Center at the University of Michigan, analyzed 4,656 married and cohabiting opposite-sex couples in the United States, all over 50, from 1996 to 2016. Every two years, participants completed surveys about their alcohol consumption habits, indicating whether and how much they drank. The results are clear: couples who drank similarly — either both consumed alcohol or both were abstainers — tended to live longer compared to couples with discordant habits (where only one partner drank). The study showed that "drinking concordance" is associated with increased longevity, but always with an eye to moderation.
Alcohol Consumption in the United States
To provide context for the study's findings, here are some data on wine consumption in the United States:
Wine Consumption in the U.S.: According to the Wine Market Council, in 2023, 44% of the wine consumed in the United States was by women, while 56% was consumed by men. However, women tend to prefer wine over other alcoholic beverages, with 62% of women indicating wine as their preferred choice, compared to 38% of men.
Age Differences: Americans over 50—the target of Birditt's study—represent a significant portion of wine consumers in the United States. Approximately 43% of regular wine consumers are over 55, a relevant figure considering that the research studied couples in this age group.
Gender Differences: Men tend to consume more alcohol overall than women, but the gap narrows when considering wine consumption alone. On average, men consume 14 drinks per week, while women consume about 7. However, in terms of wine, weekly consumption is around 4 drinks for both sexes.
Health and Moderation: Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that about 5.8% of men and 3.0% of women in the United States are classified as "heavy drinkers," meaning they drink more than recommended for optimal health. Moderation, therefore, remains a crucial point, especially since excessive alcohol consumption is linked to various health problems, including liver and cardiovascular diseases.
The Role of Relationship Quality The concept of "drinking partnership," as defined in the alcohol literature, suggests that couples with similar consumption habits tend to have more stable relationships and fewer conflicts. According to Birditt, this could be due to the fact that drinking together can increase intimacy and compatibility within the couple, improving the overall quality of the relationship.
What does it really mean? It's clear that the study does not recommend increasing alcohol consumption to live longer. As Birditt emphasizes, "We are not suggesting that people should change their drinking habits to accommodate their partner." Rather, the research highlights the importance of shared activities and quality time spent together, regardless of the amount of alcohol consumed.
Ultimately, the secret to a long and happy union might lie in the ability to share meaningful moments, like a glass of wine or a heartfelt conversation.
The true essence is the complicity and harmony created by being together, enjoying shared time and simple daily pleasures. It's not about changing your habits to fit someone else, but rather about cultivating the pleasure of sharing and mutual understanding.
In the end, the real recipe for long-term well-being might just be this: toasting with a glass of wine to complicity, with a pinch of balance and a good dose of understanding.
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