Average Time to Remarry After the Death of Spouse: Facts and Figures
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Open Access
Six months after losing a spouse, 30% of men consider remarriage, compared to 16% of women. This difference highlights how gender and age shape the decision to pursue new relationships.
The following article explores the evolving trends in remarriage, focusing on the varying emotional and financial considerations influencing when and why widowed individuals decide to remarry.
Key Insights
Six months after losing a spouse, 30% of men consider remarriage, compared to 16% of women.
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By the 18-month mark, 26% of men and 19% of women express a desire to remarry.
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The percentage of men under 25 who remarried dropped from 10% in 1960 to less than 1% by 2018.
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The proportion of women remarrying at age 55 or older nearly doubled from about 11% in 1960 to 20% in 2018.
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By 25 months post-loss, 61% of men and 19% of women had either remarried or started a new romantic relationship.
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Gender and Age Trends in Post-Loss Remarriage
Navigating the path to remarriage after losing a spouse varies by gender and age, reflecting diverse emotional and societal factors. Here are some statistics on remarriage after the death of a spouse:
Early Gender Differences in Remarriage and Dating
Within the first six months following the loss of a spouse, a significant difference emerges between genders in their approach to new relationships. Men are generally more likely to enter new relationships sooner.
- Remarriage Interest: 30% of men express a desire to remarry after their spouse dies, compared to only 16% of women.
- Interest in Dating: 17% of men are interested in starting to date again, versus 6% of women.
- Currently Dating: 15% of men are actively dating, while less than 1% of women have begun dating again.
18-Month Follow-Up: Trends Stabilize
By the 18-month mark post-loss, the initial differences in the desire to remarry between men and women begin to converge, although differences in dating behavior persist:
- Desire to Remarry: The gap narrows, with 26% of men and 19% of women expressing a desire to remarry.
- Interest in Dating: Men’s interest in dating remains significantly higher at 37% compared to 15% for women.
- Actual Dating: The trend continues, with 23% of men actively dating compared to 9% of women.
These findings indicate that while the emotional readiness to remarry becomes more aligned between genders over time, men continue to engage more actively in the dating scene.
Shifts in Remarriage Age Over Decades
Over the past several decades, the ages at which people choose to remarry have shifted significantly, mirroring changes in our society and demographics:
Men’s Age at Remarriage
The diversity of ages at which men choose to remarry has widened since 1990. Below are some key trends:
- Ages 25 to 44: In 1960, 51% of men who remarried were in this age range. This percentage increased to 67% by 1990 but then dropped to 40% by 2018.
- Under 25: The proportion of men under 25 who remarried has significantly decreased, from 10% in 1960 to less than 1% in 2018.
- Ages 55 and older: The percentage of men remarrying at age 55 or older has grown from 21% in 1960 to 30% in 2018.
Women’s Age at Remarriage
The diversity of ages at which women remarry after the passing of their former spouse has also increased over time, reflecting similar trends to those seen in men.
- Under 25: The proportion of women who remarried while younger than 25 has sharply declined, from 19% in 1960 to just 2% by 2018.
- Ages 25 to 34 to 35-44 Shift: Previously, the most common age group for remarriage was 25-34 in 1960. By 2018, this shifted to the 35-44 age group, indicating that women are choosing to remarry later in life.
- Ages 55 and Older: The percentage of women remarrying at age 55 or older has significantly increased, nearly doubling from about 11% in 1960 to 20% in 2018.
These shifts reflect changes in life expectancy, cultural norms, and perhaps increased independence and financial stability among individuals aged 55-year-old or older, allowing those who have experienced the death of their spouse more freedom in choosing if and when to remarry.
Factors Affecting the Decision to Remarry
For seniors, the decision to remarry after a deceased spouse is influenced by various unique factors, many of which are different from those experienced by younger individuals. Here are the key factors that seniors consider when thinking about a new spouse:
Emotional Readiness
Emotional readiness plays a huge role in the decision to remarry after the first marriage.
According to research, 25 months after a spouse’s death, 61% of men and 19% of women had either remarried or started a new romantic relationship. Women, however, expressed more negative feelings about forming new romantic relationships, which may explain why they tend to remarry a new partner later than men.
The emotional healing process is often slower for women, and many need more time to feel ready to enter a new relationship.
Desire for Companionship
As people age, the need for companionship becomes more significant. Many seniors seek a partner to share their lives with, whether for emotional support, shared activities, or just someone to enjoy time with.
For many, the idea of growing old alone can feel daunting, and finding someone to connect with can greatly improve overall well-being, especially after their spouse passes. The decision to remarry, influenced by marital status and emotional readiness, often arises as a way to fulfill this need for connection.
Health Considerations
Health is an important factor when considering remarriage. A study of over 7,000 individuals, middle-aged and older, revealed that men who remarried or were married during the study period were twice as likely to age optimally compared to their never-married peers.
This suggests that marriage, particularly in later life, can contribute significantly to physical and mental well-being, offering not only companionship but also mutual support in aging.
Financial Security
For older adults, financial considerations often influence the decision to enter a second marriage. Combining finances, sharing living expenses, or securing benefits can provide added financial security, especially for those in retirement or facing financial challenges after the loss of a spouse or divorce. Remarriage can offer peace of mind and help manage the household after the loss of a loved one
Bottom Line
Within six months of widowhood, 30% of men are ready to remarry, compared to just 16% of women. As time progresses to 18 months, these numbers show a narrowing gap, with 26% of men and 19% of women considering remarriage.
Over the decades, there has been a shift in remarriage ages, with fewer men under 25 choosing to remarry and a significant increase in women remarrying later in life, particularly after age 55, often following the death of their first husband.
While emotional barriers often delay remarriage for women after widowhood, the desire for companionship, health benefits, financial stability, and matchmaking opportunities play a significant role in the decision for seniors play a significant role in the decision for seniors. Similarly, those who remarry after divorce experience different timelines and factors influencing their decision.
Ultimately, the decision to remarry is deeply personal and varies widely based on individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Remarriage rates for widows over 60 are relatively low. Studies show that only about 19% of widowed women express a desire to remarry within 18 months of losing a spouse, and many choose companionship over legal marriage.
Widowers are far more likely to remarry than widows. By 25 months post-loss, 61% of men had either remarried or entered a new relationship, compared to just 19% of women.
Research suggests that men often seek emotional and practical support through remarriage, while women are more likely to prioritize independence and financial stability after losing a spouse.
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