Most of them made the right choice first time with 70% married once with just under 1 in 4 proving second time is lucky. 

So what can they teach the younger generation about a happy marriage? It’s not all a bed of roses and for almost 80% the most important factor in staying together is supporting each other through the tough times. Honesty and trust prove to be the bedrock of a successful partnership (64%) but it’s appreciating the lighter side with lots of laughs and fun together holding 68% together.

One in 4 married people over 50 keep the flame alive with great sex, but it’s being in love that sustains just under half of the group.

It seems that independence is the key for some, with 10% saying that not spending too much time together and 41% certain that having their own interests different from their partner keeps life interesting. 

For those who didn’t last the course a third say that someone in the marriage met someone else while 11% admit to being incompatible from the start. 

Top ten secrets of a happy marriage according to survey are…

1. Support in tough times79%

2. Lots of laughs and fun together68%

3. Total honesty & trust64%

4. Being able to confide in each other56%

5. Being in love47%

6. Having your own and different interests41%

7. Make sure you have lots of variety in life30%

8. Shared interests28%

9. Great sex19%

10. Not spending too much time together10%

Online dating proves a hit with the over 50’s; although only a small proportion have tried it (12%), of those who have 56% met their partner in cyberspace. Unfortunately, a third found that it was misleading saying that everyone lied on their profiles.