Would you date someone with bad health? Most of the country says no.
By Amanda Chatel — Written on Oct 03, 2012
With the obesity epidemic in this country, it should be no surprise when that the next person you go out with may not be the perfect picture of health. But would a health issue stop you from dating someone? Most people on the dating scene say yes.
According to a survey conducted by OurTime.com, only 40 percent of adults would agree to date someone with a health problem. That's a rather low percentage, especially considering the aforementioned obesity issue. Sixty-six percent of retired adults said they would not be willing to date someone who had a health problem, while 64 percent of men and women over the age of 55 wouldn't go for it either. Is it just me or does anyone find this hypocritical? At that age, everyone must have some sort of health-related ailment! Although no one wants to care for someone they've just started dating, I still find it a tad bit judgmental not to give someone a chance just because they might have a wonky hip.
And it's women who are less tolerant of health issues in their possible significant others. Ladies between the ages of 18 and 34 don't seem to have the hang-ups that older women have in regard to this topic either, because 50 percent of them are totally fine with dating someone who might have a limp, a gimp, or something else less-than-stellar. But once these ladies reach the age of 55 or older, they aren't as easily swayed to give someone whose health is a bit on shady side a chance, with a very low 31 percent even considering it.
I guess it's safe to say that the whole "in sickness and in health" shtick is strictly for married people. Those on the prowl, not so much. The takeaway? It's every man (or woman) for himself (or herself) in the dating world, especially once you get old.
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