Having a happy marriage has big benefits, according to Harvard University. The 88-year-old Harvard Study of Adult Development began in 1938 during the Great Depression.

Harvard scientists began tracking 724 young men participants for a study meant to collect data for their entire lives on what defined long, happy and healthy lives over time. The study expanded to include their wives and children. (And the study continues its research today into the second generation of original participants with over 1,300 descendants.)

But what researchers uncovered in regards to successful marriages was more than they bargained for, solidifying the deep impact marriage can have—and the importance of having a healthy marriage at age 50 for later life.

The Harvard Study of Adult Development findings

The wellbeing study set out to determine what factors lead........

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