Gender differences in the association between marriage and epigenetic age

Being married is related to better health, but many studies reveal greater health benefits among men relative to women. Some research has indicated that married individuals exhibit decelerated epigenetic age relative to individuals who are not married, but questions remain regarding gender differences therein. The purpose was to investigate gender differences in associations of marital status to epigenetic age (ing) assessed on three clocks/algorithms (PhenoAge, GrimAge, and DunedinPACE).

Data from 762 participants in the national Midlife in the United States Study (MIDUS II; men N = 382, women N = 380) were used. Weighted linear regressions were conducted to test the hypotheses that 1) being married would be associated with decelerated epigenetic age (ing) and that 2) this association would be stronger among men than women.

Being married, relative to being separated or divorced, was associated with decelerated epigenetic aging on DunedinPACE, although not PhenoAge or GrimAge. Investigating gender differences revealed a divergence regarding never marrying, a marital status that accelerated GrimAge and DunedinPACE scores among men, but not women.

These results contribute new knowledge about marital status and early risk for disease, as indicated by accelerated pace of aging among men and women whose relationships dissolved. More research is needed to identify factors explaining why men who never marry may be at risk for accelerated epigenetic aging while women are not.