‘Elder’ marriages cure depression

Egyptian Sociology Professor and marital relations expert Medhat Abdel-Hady claims that elderly marriage combats depression caused by the loss of a spouse. Speaking to Arabstoday, Abdel-Hady said marrying again in later life has many psychological and health benefits. Although in many Arab countries, marrying after you are widowed tends to be viewed as socially unacceptable, Adel-Hady urges people to see the positive side. Children in particular tend to feel ashamed of a parent marrying again, especially when they are much older. However, Abdel-Hady says that that the children should think of the union as nothing more than a way to eliminate loneliness. Abdel-Hady said: “I don’t understand why marrying later in life is deemed unacceptable. In the West people who are widowed are encouraged by their children to find another partner. Some even marry after the age of 80.” He emphasised that elder marriage are the perfect solution for fighting heart disease, high-blood pressure and other diseases. Abdel-Hady claims that most of these illnesses come about when old people have prolonged feelings of sadness and depression. He also asserted that marrying again can delay the early-onset of age-related illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease. Abdel-Hady added: “These types of marriages are religiously acceptable, there’s no justification for the social vilification.”