According to a 1985 survey by the Bureau of Census, about 9.5 percent of women who were 45 or over when they were widowed had remarried. By contrast, 54 percent of women who were under 45 when widowed had remarried. Many widows who choose to remain single have had long and happy marriages and enjoy male companionship.

What percentage of widows get remarried?

Approximately 2% of older widows and 20% of older widowers ever remarry (Smith, Zick, & Duncan, 1991). The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that each year, out of every 1,000 wid- owed men and women ages 65 and older, only 3 women and 17 men remarry (Clarke, 1995).

Are widows more likely to remarry?

Over all, there are no government statistics on the number of widowers who remarry. Yet the Census Bureau estimates that 10 times as many widowers as widows over 65 remarry, though there are fewer older men than older women. But marriage counselors believe that widowers are more likely to remarry than divorced men.

How soon can a widow remarry?

Theres no rule or timeline when it comes to getting remarried following the death of your spouse. Like grief, the “right time” for everyone is different. For some, it may be a few weeks, and for others, it can be several years. You dont have to stop loving your deceased spouse in order to find love again.

Do you lose widows benefits if you remarry?

Remarrying after turning 60 (50 if disabled) has no effect on survivor benefits. But if you wed before reaching that age, you lose eligibility for survivor benefits on the prior marriage. (If you were already getting them, they will stop.)