Mid-Aged and older couples

COURSE: MASTERS OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY

SEMESTER: 4

JOINT EFFORT BY: Falguni Chaturvedi, Navya Coomar,

Simran Arora, Jinu Rani, Khurram Fatima, Kanishka
Arora
 Intro
By middle age, more than 90 percent of adults will have
married at least once. Marital satisfaction is often
described in terms of a U‐curve: People generally affirm that
their marriages are happiest during the early years, but not
as happy during the middle years. Marital satisfaction then
increases again in the later years, once finances have
stabilized and parenting responsibilities have ended. Couples
who stay together until after the last child has left home
will probably remain married for at least another 20 years.
For many middle‐aged couples, passion fades as intimacy and
commitment build. In other words, many middle adults find
themselves in a marriage typified by companionate love, which
is both committed and intimate, but not passionate. Yet a
relationship that has lost its sexual nature need not remain
this way, nor do such changes necessitate the end of a
long‐term relationship. In fact, many middle adult couples
find effective ways of improving their ability to
communicate, increasing emotional intimacy, rekindling the
fires of passion, and growing together. The understanding
that evolves between two people over time can be striking.
Demographical/Religious
Differences of
Middle Aged Couples
 Regional differences: India is divided into different states, and each state has its own culture, language, and
traditions. Middle-aged couples from different states may have different attitudes, beliefs, and values, which
can affect their lifestyle and relationships. An example-

There are significant differences between urban and rural areas in terms of culture, education,
income, lifestyle, and access to resources. An urban-rural couple may have different expectations
and priorities due to these differences. For example, the urban partner may be more career-
oriented and have a different lifestyle than the rural partner, who may be more focused on
traditional values and community-based activities. The rural partner may also have a different
level of education and income than the urban partner, which can affect their perspectives on life.

To navigate these differences, the couple may need to have open and honest communication
about their expectations and priorities. They may need to find ways to respect and incorporate
each other's cultural traditions and lifestyles into their lives. They may also need to work together
to bridge the differences in education and income levels, and to find ways to support each other in
achieving their goals.
Religious differences: couples belonging to different religions may have different beliefs and practices.
THESE can sometimes create challenges in relationships, but many couples successfully navigate these
differences. AN EXAMPLE GIVEN BELOW-

In India, where Hindus and Muslims are the two largest religious communities, a Hindu-
Muslim couple may face various challenges due to religious differences. For example, the
couple may have different beliefs about religious practices such as prayer, fasting, and
dietary restrictions. They may also have different expectations regarding religious
holidays and rituals, and their families may have different expectations about how the
wedding should be conducted. Additionally, the couple may face social pressure from their
respective communities to convert to their partner's religion or to adhere to cultural
norms associated with their partner's religion.

To navigate these differences, the couple may need to have open and honest communication
about their beliefs and values. They may need to find ways to respect and incorporate each
other's religious traditions into their lives. They may also need to work together to
educate their families and communities about their relationship and to overcome any
cultural or religious prejudices that may exist.
 Marital satisfaction and
divorce in
mid age & old age couples
Marital satisfaction in mid & old age couples
Marital satisfaction refers to the level of happiness and fulfillment that a couple experiences in their
marriage. In mid-age and old age couples, marital satisfaction is influenced by a variety of factors,
including physical and mental health, communication, shared experiences, and cultural expectations.

In the Indian context, marital satisfaction is highly valued, and marriages are considered to be a lifelong
commitment. There is a cultural expectation that couples should stay together and support each other
through difficult times, which can be a positive factor in maintaining marital satisfaction.

Research suggests that marital satisfaction in Indian couples tends to be lower compared to couples in
Western countries. One study published in the Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology found that Indian
couples had lower levels of marital satisfaction compared to American couples. The study identified
cultural factors, such as the emphasis on family obligations and the limited opportunities for personal
growth and development, as potential reasons for the lower levels of marital satisfaction in Indian couples.
Factors contributing to marital satisfaction
Some studies have identified some factors that contributed to marital satisfaction among older adults in
India, including:

1. Communication: Positive communication and the ability to resolve conflicts in a healthy way were
identified as important factors in maintaining marital satisfaction.
2. Support: The study found that providing and receiving support from one's spouse was an important
factor in marital satisfaction. Couples who felt that they could rely on each other for emotional and
practical support tended to report higher levels of satisfaction in their marriage.
3. Shared Experiences: Couples who had shared experiences, such as raising children or going
through major life transitions together, tended to feel more connected and satisfied in their marriage.
4. Cultural Expectations: The study found that cultural expectations, such as the expectation that
couples should stay together and support each other through difficult times, also played a role in
maintaining marital satisfaction.

Overall, while research on marital satisfaction in mid-age and old age couples in India is limited, the
available evidence suggests that similar factors contribute to satisfaction in Indian couples as in couples
from other cultures. Positive communication, mutual support, shared experiences, and cultural
expectations all appear to be important factors in maintaining marital satisfaction over time.
 Sexual assault and marital rape

marriage
Marriage is a commencement of a new family, more than being a physical union it is an emotional
union of the spouses. a union of two souls who promise to enter into an everlasting bond with each
other. Whether it is consensual or contractual marriage, marriage is a state of remaining united to a
person thereby granting the status of husband and wife. The act of marriage capacitates the parties to
all the rights and obligations available to them under law. Sexual intercourse is also considered as a
right of the spouses. Howbeit, it is here that one of the major loopholes of law also creeps into. The
major dubiety present is whether marriage entitles the husband to have sexual intercourse with their
wife against her wish? The question is why women are not protected against such acts of their
husband.
 marital rape
The offence of rape is “exploitation of a woman, without her consent or obtaining of consent by
inducing some fear, threat, by a forceful sexual intercourse”. Rape or raptus is when a man has a
carnal intercourse with a lady without her consent or knowledge. It is the “ultimate violation of self”. It
is the crime against humanity.

Marital Rape, a horrendous crime, is not a concept which can be easily be perceived by anyone. The
word “marital” means related to marriage and “rape” means sexual intercourse against the other
person’s wish. Comprehending the duo, “marital rape” stands for the sexual intercourse under the veil
of marriage but without other person’s consent.

A sexual intercourse against the will of the wife causes not only the physical injuries but also indelibly
leaves a scar on the most cherished possession of a woman i.e., her dignity.
Indian penal code and marital rape
Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 defines the offence of rape, which includes within it
a comprehensive definition of the offence and furthermore some explanations and exception.
The major flaw in the definition is the “Exception 2” which specifically mentions that “sexual
intercourse or sexual acts by a man with his own wife, the wife not being under fifteen years of
age, is not rape. Moreover until recently, before the coming of a remarkable judgment i.e.,
Independent Thought v Union of India which has now increased the age under this exception
from 15 to 18 years.

The reason for the same being “to preserve the institution of marriage”. The major controversy
that arises here is that is there any point of preserving such a marriage, which is itself being
driven by sexual desires, irrespective of other person’s desires. It is a debatable issue. This
issue deserves much more attention by law courts and our law making bodies rather than the
activists.
Divorces in mid & old age couples
Indian middle age and old age couples are getting an increasing number of divorces for a variety of
reasons. Some of the main factors contributing to this trend include changing cultural norms, evolving
gender roles, and increasing financial independence of women.

1. changing cultural norms in India: Traditionally, Indian society has placed a high value on marriage and
family, with divorce being stigmatized and frowned upon. However, in recent years, there has been a shift
towards more individualistic values, where personal happiness and fulfillment are given more importance.

2. changing gender roles: With more women entering the workforce and becoming financially
independent, they are less dependent on their husbands for financial support. This independence gives
women more power and agency to make decisions about their own lives, including the decision to divorce
if they are unhappy in their marriage.

3. lack of compatibility and communication: The generation gap between partners, with one partner being
more traditional and the other being more modern, can also be a contributing factor. Couples may find that
they have grown apart over time, or that they no longer have shared interests or values, leading to
increased conflict and ultimately divorce
Factors contributing to divorces
According to a report by the National Statistics Office, the divorce rate among people aged 50 and above
in India increased by 29% between 2014 and 2018. The report also found that the highest number of
divorces occurred among people aged 50-54.

Research suggests that divorce can have significant negative consequences for older adults in India. A
study published in the Indian Journal of Gerontology found that divorce can lead to increased social
isolation and financial difficulties, particularly for women. The study also found that older adults who were
divorced or widowed had higher rates of depression and lower life satisfaction compared to those who
were married. Another study published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry found that older adults who
were divorced or separated had higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those who were
married or widowed. The study also found that older adults who were divorced or separated were more
likely to have chronic medical conditions, which may be related to the stress and social isolation
associated with divorce.

Overall, while divorce is becoming more common among mid-age and old age couples in India, it can
have significant negative consequences for older adults.
Pregnancy and parenting in middle life
Pregnancy and parenting after the age of 35, also known as advanced maternal age or geriatric
pregnancy, is becoming increasingly common in today's society. Many couples are choosing to delay
starting a family due to the following reasons:

● Independent Women

● Wealthy children are more opportune

● Inflation

● Medical Advancement in Childbirth & Health

● Availability of effective and safe contraception

What has changed?
● Women in the United States are having fewer babies, except for one group — those in their late 30s and early
40s
● According to the Pew Research Center, women are more likely to have children now than they were a decade
ago, but many are waiting until later in life. The average age at which a woman has her first child has, therefore,
risen from 23 in 1994 to 26 in 2018.
● This change may be partly due to the fact that many women are delaying marriage, pursuing further education,
and participating more in the labor force.
● Men are also having children later in life. The average age of a first time father has increased from 27.4 in 1972
to 30.9 in 2015.
● While fertility rates are rising among older parents, infertility remains a problem. According to the American
College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, women’s fertility starts to decrease gradually but significantly from
the age of 32 and then reduces more rapidly from the age of 37.
● Male fertility also declines with age, but the drop is more gradual. Most men remain fertile into their 60s and
even their 70s, although the rate of birth abnormalities increases as the male partner ages.
benefits
1. Emotional maturity: Women who become pregnant later in life may have more emotional maturity and
stability than younger mothers. They have had more time to develop their careers, personal relationships,
and life experiences, which can help them handle the demands of parenthood.
2. Financial stability: Older mothers may be more financially stable than younger mothers, which can help
them provide a better life for their child. They may have established careers, savings, and financial stability
that can provide security for their family.
3. Health awareness: Women who have delayed pregnancy may have been more conscious of their health
and well-being, making them more likely to have healthy pregnancies. They may have also been able to
take advantage of advances in medical care and prenatal testing.
4. Stronger support systems: Older mothers may have a stronger support system in place, including family,
friends, and colleagues who are more established and able to provide more support than younger parents.
5. Increased life satisfaction: Research has shown that women who become mothers later in life report
higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being than women who become mothers at a younger age.

It is important to note that while there are benefits to late pregnancy, there are also potential risks and challenges
that should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
challenges
1. It might take longer to get pregnant

2. A multiple pregnancy is more common

3. The risk of gestational diabetes increases

4. The risk of developing high blood pressure during pregnancy is higher

5. There's a greater risk of premature birth and having a baby with a

low birth weight

1. The chance of having a C-section goes up

2. The risk of chromosomal conditions is higher

3. The risk of pregnancy loss is higher

Make healthy choices
1. Make a preconception appointment

2. Seek regular prenatal care

3. Eat a healthy diet

4. Gain weight wisely

5. Stay active

6. Avoid risky substances

7. Learn about prenatal testing for chromosomal conditions

concerns with parenting in middle age
● Physical limitations: As middle-aged parents age, they may experience physical limitations that can make it
more difficult to keep up with the demands of parenting. This can impact the child's experience if the parent is
unable to participate in certain activities or provide certain types of support.
● Generational gap: Middle-aged parents may have a larger generational gap with their child than younger
parents. This can create challenges in terms of understanding and relating to the child's experiences, especially
as they grow older and enter different stages of life.
● Social isolation: Middle-aged parents may be at a different life stage than other parents of young children,
which can lead to social isolation. They may struggle to relate to other parents and find it difficult to form
connections with other families.
● Caregiving responsibilities: Middle-aged parents may also be caring for aging parents or other family
members, which can create additional caregiving responsibilities and impact their ability to fully engage with
their children.
● Parenting style: Middle-aged parents may have a different parenting style than younger parents, which can
create tension between the parent and child. For example, they may be more authoritarian or traditional in their
approach to parenting.
● Mortality: The mortality rate of middle-aged parents is higher than that of younger parents, which can cause
anxiety and stress for the children.
PROBLEMS AMONG MIDDLE AGE AND OLD AGE COUPLES
● Frequent Fighting
● One partner’s drinking or drug abuse
● A difference of opinion on work-life balance
● Financial stress
● Weight issues
● Arguments related to adult children
● A big source of conflict is when they have different visions
for what they want their life to be
● They argue about money and finances, or when one wants to
stay active and another gets sedentary, or about when to
retire
● Older couples are likely to be confronted with health
problems of both spouses and these health problems may
negatively influence their marital satisfaction
PROBLEMS Related to financial concerns, Loneliness and
health
● Financial stress can be objective or subjective. Objective financial stress is a
monetary representation of changes in your income or assets. Subjective
financial stress is a measure of how you feel about your economic situation.
● Changes in household finances, specifically decreases in income and assets, are
problems that older adults may experience, which can be associated with their
social participation and may lead to feelings of loneliness.
● The three mental health predictors are significant predictors of changes in
general loneliness. An increase in self-efficacy is associated with a
significant decrease in general loneliness while an increase in depression is
related to a significant increase in general loneliness