Getting married at a young age increases the chances of divorce. Similarly, waiting too long may become problematic. This often leaves many people uncertain of the right age for marriage. If you are in this fold, read on to understand which age is the best to get married.

There are several factors to consider before walking down the aisle with your long-time lover or soulmate from these best dating sites review. The survival of any relationship is determined by communication skills, respect, trust, teamwork, and sticking to each other during low moments. Age is another important factor that everyone considers before marriage.

Unfortunately, the current society tells teens that the ideal age for marriage is right after college or high school. Such culture has a predetermined map of life; if you don’t follow it, you will feel left behind. But is there the best age for marriage? Read on to learn more about this!

The Goldilocks Theory

According to the Goldilocks theory, the perfect age for marriage with minimal chance of divorce within the first five years is between 28 and 32 years. According to Carrie Krawiec, a family therapist, and marriage counselor, the idea of getting into marriage within this age bracket is that you won’t be too old or too young.

Krawiec states that marriage partners should be of appropriate age to tell apart puppy love and true compatibility. Similarly, people should be young enough to be flexible and willing to adjust to their partners’ lifestyles and habits. This theory is widely accepted and provides an age range that most people agree to be the average age for marriage.

Wait Until Your Brain Matures

Apart from the societal norms, there is a perceived right age for marriage medically. Medics believe that there is a specific maturity level that increases the chances of success in your marriage. According to Alicia Taverner from Rancho Counseling, most couples on the verge of divorce got into marriage before discovering themselves and had experiences with “singledom” in their 20s.

Nonetheless, from the scientific point of view, the human brain’s frontal lobe, which is the last part of the brain to grow up, matures between 25 and 30 years. Therefore, any life decisions made before the age of 25 might be problematic since they were made by a partially developed brain that can reconcile ethical and moral behavior.

That said, young marriages that occur just after they meet the legal age for marriage are scientifically destined to fail. The age between the late 20s and 30s is where professional careers and finances get worked out. In this age, the meaning of love is less idealistic, and most people are genuine about their expectations.

Don’t Wait for Too Long

Interestingly, most people believe that the early 30s is the best age for marriage for females. Couples who get married in their 30s are often more mature, more educated, and have a solid economic foundation, which is the main challenge in getting into marriage at this age. Surprisingly, an Institute of Family Studies research that analyzed data between 2006 and 2010 found out that every additional year before the age of 32 lowers the divorce rates by 11%.

However, this study contrasts previous findings where the odds of divorcing after the age of 32 increases by 5% every additional year. Similarly, the risk for divorce for those who get into marriage at their 30s has flattened and not declining as it was years before. That said, couples who get into marriage in their mid or late 30s have higher chances of divorce than couples who tie the knot in their late 20s and early 30s.

So, What is the Right Age?

Some studies have hypothesized the following best age periods to get married.

26 years

This minimum age for marriage is pegged on a mathematical study stating that you should live at least one-third of your life before being married. According to the survey, 26 is the right age as most people have undergone several life experiences and can choose the right partner. This study suggests that getting married is a game of numbers, and the longer you wait, the less the number of potential partners to choose from.

28 years

Proponents of this age quote the research findings from the National Survey of Family Growth. While you may be considered an adult at 18 years, it is not the perfect age for marriage. The same studies point out that divorce rates among teens are 38% during their first five years of marriage. While it lowers in subsequent years to 27% and 20%, 38% of these marriages always end up in divorce.

30 years

Starting your family at 30 years is good, especially for women’s health. A published journal by the University of Coimbra concluded that women who get pregnant in their 30s have a high life expectancy than those who give birth in their 20s.

32 years

For most people, this is the latest age for a successful marriage, especially if you want to have kids the natural way. Reproductive health experts suggest that couples planning to have children should do so before hitting 32 years, which is their peak fertility. Therefore, if you want some years for yourself, consider getting married before 32.

Any Age Before 50

This might be a surprise, but more and more people are getting into marriage in their 40s and 50s, according to stats from Pew Research Center. Interestingly, 2007 data found that this is the fastest rising population for cohabiting. Most respondents in this group say they are simply not interested in sharing their life with someone else.

Conclusion

Evidently, there is no best time to get into marriage. However, if you want to settle down and start a family, the best time to get into marriage is anytime you feel comfortable with your relationship and confident about your work and personal life. Based on this, what are the signs that one is ready to get into marriage? Share your thoughts below.

Author’s Bio

Sherry Kimball is a writer and relationships consultant. She is inspired to support couples, teach them skills that lead to healthy, happy, and romantic partnerships.  Sherry enjoys researching, discussing, and writing on the topics of relationships, weddings, and dating. Her interests in her free time are cooking and sports.