Do single people age slower than married people?

[FindingJessica]

I know you can't really generalise with something like this but I've had some fascinating conversations with friends (in our 40's when visible ageing starts to kick in) and most of them think that our single friends look younger. Any thoughts?

Well I've heard that having DC ages you, but then if I hadn't got married and had my kids I'd probably have continued partying at the pace I was when I met DH ... and I reckon that would've aged me more! Depends on the lifestyle I suppose. If your single life consists of early nights, yoga on the beach, no stress, etc, then I'm sure you'd look amazing in your 40s, but if it's working long hours, drinking and partying, then maybe not.

Wouldn’t be surprised! Childbirth, late nights, general stress of juggling multiple things. I wouldn’t change it though (although I am considering remedial botox ).

Yes, that's a good point. I guess I don't have single partying friends / more the staying in and reading type.

Im single with kids.

I think i prioritised staying young and slim a little more than some married friends but it depends and i think im pushing water uphill now! I eat healthily and im not encouragef to over eat like i was with xh. He used to get grumpy if i didnt match him glass of wine for glass of wine. This is just my situation though. After i left him when i was the most broke ive ever been i was really focused on health and fitness and i didnt have to worry about being an obsessed bore. For a long time i thought id increase my chances in the dating market if i clung on. That plan didnt work. Saving for a nice kitchen now.

When I was single I was much more likely to spend money on my appearance - make up, expensive haircuts etc. I also had time to spend faffing about with new looks. With children I don’t necessarily have the same time to dedicate to all that plus or the disposable income and I don’t tend to spend so much time in the types of places where it matters eg bars. Other than that I don’t think I’m ageing at a worse rate than my single buddies.

I agree with the idea children age you. Possibly the early years of sleepless nights, eating on the run etc that can't be good

Gross generalisation alert

I think women without children usually look younger than women with children, single or not.

Yes it’s definitely the children, not the marriage. The importance of Sleep in how you look cannot be over estimated.

Interestingly, married people are generally actually healthier and live longer. However they are fatter! https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2016/apr/17/couples-healthier-wealthier-marriage-good-health-single-survey-research

My DSis sent me a link to the New Scientist last week with the headline 'Having children may add 11 years to a woman's biological age'

Unfortunately it's behind a paywall so I can't read more than a brief bit, but it's something to do with our DNA aging faster than those without DC.

Heres a link to the article for those who can read it.

For me personally, I'm blaming years of broken sleep.

I'm 38 almost 39 and definately look years younger than my friends who have children. I really have less wrinkles. I think it's the sleep deprivation that causes people to age quicker.

Agree it’s having children that ages you rather than being married. My childfree married friends all look fantastic. I think the hormonal changes in pregnancy kickstart dna changes and faster ageing.

Regarding the New Scientist article; having children is associated with shortening of the telomeres, which are the chunks of DNA at the ends of chromosomes. They shorten as we age, and a study of women concluded a 4% reduction in telomere length compared to women who had not given birth. This was then determined to be the equivalent of aging 11 years.

It was unclear whether this was to do with pregnancy, childbirth or raising children.

But, as this is S&B, I'll give my opinion that the visible signs of aging are determined by genetics, sun exposure, smoking and other lifestyle factors, including those which determine quality and quantity of sleep.

I think the worst thing for you skin is stress. So, if your married/single but not chronically stressed to the eyeballs every day then I think you’re going to look better possibly. I say this because I don’t smoke, don’t sunbathe (die to hives!) and am very happily married. But, I have a disabled son and frankly, it has aged me drastically.

I don't think they actually look younger as in less wrinkles/less grey hair they can often be better presented and have the time, money and inclination to hide the natural signs of aging.

I honestly think having children is the main factor, not being married.

I'm 45 never been married or had kids but am told I look 30. If I'm honest if I had the kids I couldn't care less how old I look.

I don’t know about looks but apparently married men live longer than single men. Married women don’t live as long as single women. Can’t think why!!!!

I think the worst thing for you skin is stress.

Nope - it's actually the sun! My dermatologist told me that if we all lived in the dark we'd look really young (although we'd all have rickets, from lack of vitamin D ). I do think that the constant worries involved with being a parent increase frown lines though. Looking at a pic of me the year before I had kids and comparing it to one taken a couple of years later is very depressing.

As for lack of sleep - yes that makes you look like crap too - but I think it's reversible if you then get back into the habit of sleeping well. I certainly looked (and felt!) utterly exhausted for the first 9-ish months of my DC's lives, but since getting them into good sleep habits and making sure I get 7-8 hours a night myself again that has definitely improved a lot.

As a general rule I think having children ages you. Am mid thirties and you only have to look at fb to see the difference in those who haven’t had any children yet. Their skin still looks so fresh, no months and years of sleep deprivation. Obviously health and lifestyle is going to play a rule too though.

Teenagers put decades on you.