Contrasts in marital satisfaction throughout old age: an exchange theory analysis.

In aggregate, older spouses report moderate to high levels of marital satisfaction; however, it is not clear whether these evaluations continue throughout the duration of the marital career or if there are declines at different age stages of late life. Mean factor scores on frequency of positive interaction and negative sentiment with spouse were computed from questionnaire responses of 318 married persons aged 55 to 90 years in a quasilongitudinal design. Contrasts in levels of interaction and sentiment were apparent between three successive age groups, with greatest marital satisfaction found in 63- to 69-year-old group. Multiple regression analyses demonstrated continuity in social and personal predictors of marital satisfaction across all three old age groups, with greatest predictivity for 55- to 62-year-old group. Fewest predictors and least predictivity emerged for oldest group, aged 70 to 90 years. Results suggest greater potential for happiness as well as vulnerability than has heretofore been attributed to older marriages.