Final answer:
Most never-married older adults today reflect evolving social norms, with increased independence and societal shifts towards cohabitation and delayed marriage. Single women over thirty-five feel secure in their status, attributing it to personal and professional success. Changing perceptions, education, career priorities, and cultural factors are influencing the decision to marry, affecting traditional family structures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Today, most never-married older adults are part of a changing social landscape in which the incidence of being unmarried is on the rise. According to data such as the U.S. Census 2011, we see an increased prevalence of never-married individuals, particularly in larger cities and metropolitan areas like New York City. Between 2006 and 2010, a sizable percentage of heterosexual women started living with their partners before marriage, a significant increase from figures in previous decades. This indicates a shift in traditional U.S. family structures and living arrangements.
Moreover, social pressures regarding marriage are still present, with single women and single men facing different societal narratives about their unmarried status. Women over thirty-five report feeling secure and happy with being single, suggesting greater independence and success in their personal and professional lives than observed in the past. Aside from individual choices, factors influencing the decision to marry include religion, cultural expectations, and changing perspectives on cohabitation and single parenting.
As trends like delayed marriage and cohabitation become more normalized, perceptions of marriage are evolving. Some individuals prioritize education and career over settling down early, contributing to the phenomenon of marrying at a later age. The institution of marriage continues but adapts to new patterns of relationships and family structures.