The present study, entitled “Exploring Gendered Marital Dynamics in Later Life: A Comparative Analysis of Older Husbands and Wives”, examined gender differences in marital experiences among older married couples aged 50–60 years in urban Hisar, Haryana. A sample of 38 couples (N=76) participated. Standardized tools, the Couple Satisfaction Index, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Perceived Partner Responsiveness Scale, were used to assess couple satisfaction, dyadic adjustment, resilience, and perceived partner responsiveness. The results revealed statistically significant gender differences across all variables. Older husbands reported significantly higher levels of couple satisfaction, while older wives exhibited greater dyadic adjustment, emotional resilience, and perceived partner responsiveness. Chi-square and t-tests confirmed these differences with significance at 5% and 1% levels. The findings highlight that older women, while more emotionally attuned and resilient, contribute substantially to marital balance, whereas older men report greater overall satisfaction. The study calls for gender-sensitive interventions to enhance marital well-being in later life.
Gupta et al. (Fri,) studied this question.