Researchers found that people who never marry tend to die pain-free and at peace, contrary to dire warnings about the end of life being harder for singles. The study analyzed data from 39,012 deceased US Medicare beneficiaries between 2011-2022. Proxies reported on the quality of care, anxiety and sadness, pain, and personal care during the last month of life.
Lifelong single people were most likely to die with no problems, reporting low levels of sadness (62%), anxiety that was managed (87%), and no pain (47%). They also received dignified care (86%) in their final months. Parents, who have children, did not differ significantly from those without kids in terms of quality of life.
Experts believe single people’s social support networks and self-sufficiency contribute to a good death experience. Those who stayed single formed and maintained friendships, enabling them to receive quality care at the end of life.
Source: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/living-single/202603/the-good-deaths-of-people-who-never-marry