Health and Union Dissolution in Middle and Later Life: A Research Note

OBJECTIVE: This research note assessed the relationship between health status and union dissolution in middle and later life in the Canadian context. METHODS: Data were drawn from four waves (2014-2020) of the Canadian Longitudinal and International Study of Adults aged 45 and older. Logistic regression analyses examined the effects of stability and changes in self-rated health (SRH) and psychological distress on subsequent marital and cohabiting union dissolution. FINDINGS: Unlike those whose SRH declined over time, those who experienced continuing fair/poor SRH had a greater likelihood of subsequent union dissolution compared to those experiencing continuing good/very good/excellent or improved SRH. In contrast, those reporting increased psychological distress were more likely to experience union dissolution later on. DISCUSSION: Policies and interventions that limit poor physical and mental health of individuals as they age may also serve to reduce the occurrence of union dissolution and its implications.