Aging Backwards Tuesday Tips #34: Married Or Single, Have a Healthy Valentine's Day

Studies show that people who are happily married live longer and healthier lives than single people. One study states definitively that the happiness of married people is significantly greater than that of unmarried ones.

Some experts believe that one reason is stress reduction. It's widely reported that stress can have detrimental effects on an individual's health. Cardiovascular, hormonal and immune pathways are important to a person's well-being and stress can have a negative effect on these systems. It's being part of a "team" that makes married people better equipped to handle stress than single people.

Pooling their incomes also helps married couples reduce their stress. Two people can live more cheaply than a single person by sharing housing costs, groceries and other household expenses.

The only area where married people scored lower than singles was in the weight department. Studies show that married adults, particularly men, weigh more and have higher rates of obesity than single adults. People who have never married are the least likely to be obese, according to research. Obesity can lead to type II diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

The American Heart Association encourages people to make the connection between a healthy heart and Valentine's Day.

Aging Backwards Healthy Valentine Gift Ideas:

1) Basket of Fruit
2) Dark chocolates
3) Spa/massage gift certificate
4) Assortment of green teas
5) Healthy meals cookbook
6) Donation to the American Heart Association in your loved one's name
7) Yoga mat and DVDs
8) Organic flowers, available online and at some health food stores, such as Whole Foods Market
9) iTunes gift card to download some relaxing tunes
10) Movie gift certificate to enjoy a favorite "chick flick" or action movie

Even if you're single, you can still enjoy Valentine's Day. Giving just plain feels good and you can give gifts to anyone in your life with whom you're close, whether it's a spouse, partner, boss, child, best friend or parent.