New Yorkers Split On Study Suggesting Married Life Healthier Than Being Single

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- If you're single, the good times might not last as long as the high life of your happily-married friends.

Researchers at the University of Louisville reviewed data from about 500 million people, analyzed 60 years of studies, and found single adults are at risk of dying between seven to 17 years earlier than their married counterparts.

In the Big Apple, not everyone is buying that theory.

"Single people are healthier because they're trying to look more attractive. They're trying to get a mate or a boyfriend so they're keeping themselves more healthy than someone who's married and just in a rut with themselves," bachelorette Patricia Cartelli told CBS 2's Hazel Sanchez.

The study suggests married people have a stronger support network, compared to single people who likely have fewer health benefits and lower income.

"I better get married," joked bachelor Luis Asencio. "You got to do everything on your own. You got to pay the bills on your own. You got to clean the house and take care of everything on your own. Sometimes that can weigh in on you."

"I feel like when you're married you have someone to tell you to take care of yourself, do this, do that," said bachelorette Frances Benedit.

Asked what his wife does to keep him healthy, Ashutosh Gangwar said "Doesn't let me eat fatty foods, no pizza."

Single people don't have to panic. Researchers say the study is based on probabilities, not certainties. Experts say being happily single is a lot better for you than being in a bad marriage.

"If you're in an unhappy, an unhealthy marriage year after year, that has to take a terrible toll on your emotional well-being and on your health," said relationship therapist Rachel Sussman.

"I was married one time. They will never take me alive again. It was the worst experience of my life," said bachelor Simon Christina.

If you survive single youth, the study says your risk of death decreases more than 100 percent by the time you turn 70.

So which is healthier? Sound off in our comments section below…