For Long-Term Health, This is the Best Age to Get Married

Dream - Marriage is a stage awaited by many people, but when is the best age to get married from a health perspective? This question often arises because the impact of marriage on physical and mental health can be significant, especially if one gets married too early.

In many areas, including villages like Wonorejo in Banyuwangi, early marriage is still a concern.

"This Wonorejo village ranks second in terms of the highest rate of early marriage in Banyuwangi, so there are the most dispensations (marriage below the legal age) submitted by residents to the Village Head," said the Head of the Banyuwangi Social, Women's Empowerment, and Family Planning Agency, Henik Setyorini, at the BCA Education Event "Let's Prevent Stunting!" at SMAN 1 Wongsorejo, Wednesday, August 9, 2023.

The Impact of Early Marriage on Mental Health

Marriage that occurs at a very young age can be risky in terms of affecting mental health. Children who get married do not yet have the emotional and psychological maturity needed to manage a marital relationship.

"Children get married at a young age, then have children, then fight between the child and the mother who is still a child. A child's emotions are still unstable, and it can lead to arguments in the household because skincare products are not purchased," said Henik.

Children at Risk of Stunting

When couples get married at a very young age, they tend to be unprepared to take on the responsibility of being parents. Lack of knowledge about nutrition, care, and the needs of children often results in children born from such marriages becoming victims of stunting.

"The cause of stunting is not only due to nutrition in Banyuwangi, but also due to parenting styles and parental education. Child marriage is one of the triggers of stunting," said Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani at the same occasion.

Remember the 4 Ts

Considering the importance of parental role in tackling stunting, here are 4 things that prospective couples should know and apply.

"As a prospective mother, remember these 4 Ts. Don't get married too young, below 21 for women and 25 for men. Don't get married too old, don't wait until 35 years old. Don't have a too close age gap, usually the mother uses contraceptive pills and forgets to take them. Don't have too many children," said Hanik.