‘Marital fitness’ classes keep marriages in shape

By Diane Dennis

Boom!, Feb 26, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Diane Dennis is a life transition coach appearing monthly on television’s “AM Northwest.” Contact her at 503-972-3441, Dianeden@centurytel.net or www.coachdianed.com.

A few years back I worked as a nurse providing home health services. My patients had chronic illnesses or conditions that rendered them homebound. I noticed that with long- term inactivity their physical tone deteriorated—muscles atrophied and shrunk.

In contrast, a good portion of them had fit marriages. Out of curiosity, I decided to take my own mini-poll on these visits. After drawing vials of blood, listening to heart rates and checking blood sugar levels, I sat down with my list of questions.

“How long have you two been married?” I asked, followed by, “What is your secret of a long-term marriage?”

Invariably the male counterpart was the first to answer. Seems like many had spent more than a few decades gathering data.

The response I enjoyed the most was from a Morris, a man whose wife, Anna, was being treated for recurring cancer. He was spry, trim and quick to answer.

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