Lifelong Benefits of Long-Term Relationships: Research Reveals Better Physical Health and Fewer Symptoms of Depression

The idea of "love" in a long-term relationship has been held up as a beautiful thing for centuries. Numerous songs and poems have been written about love, each holding its own deeper meaning. But it goes well beyond the romantic notions attached to relationships, with research showing that individuals in a committed relationship experience lifelong benefits—from improved physical health to fewer symptoms of depression.

It's not just those who find themselves in current long-term relationships who are reaping these benefits either. Those who had past long-term relationships—and are now single—are still discovering the nuances of the positive effects.

In fact, studies suggest that elderly individuals aged 65 and over who were previously in committed, long-term relationships are likely to outlive those currently single or divorced. And the health benefits from being in a long-term relationship go way beyond the physical and manifest themselves psychologically too.

Studies show that when a couple is connected to one another in a meaningful, intimate way for a prolonged period, the result can be significantly reduced levels of anxiety and stress, coupled with improved self-confidence, self-esteem and empathy. There's also decreased loneliness, social isolation and fewer symptoms of depression; all thanks to the companionship, trust and loyalty that come with being in a long-term relationship.

These same studies found that these positive psychological benefits continue to be felt after the relationship is no longer active. This means that even if things don't work out, individuals can still take solace in the fact they will continue to reap the rewards long afterwards. In addition, the time spent with someone in a long-term relationship can provide insight into how to better relate and understand one another—a skill that too comes along with lifelong benefits, regardless of relationship status.

On the physical health side of things, couples in a long-term relationship are likely to enjoy all sorts of advantages, from increased protection from common illnesses, such as colds and flu, to mental health ailments, such as depression and dementia.

This is because a close relationship can foster engagement and the feeling of being loved—which subsequently can help reduce inflammation, a key primary response of our bodies to environmental stress. Not only that, but there's plenty of evidence out there that people in a relationship may even adopt healthier habits—it's thought that when we feel connected to someone, we end up caring more about our physical health and wellbeing than if we're going solo. So while the romantic aura of being in a long-term relationship is certainly something wonderful, having extra incentive in the form of lifelong physical and psychological benefits is that much sweeter, whether you're single or together.