This paper examines the effect of marital status continuity and change on an individual's physical health and well-being, and finds that these effects vary considerably according to an individual's gender and age. It suggests that, while on average, married people are healthier and happier than unmarried people, in some cases marriage may produce stressors that undermine health. It also provides evidence that remarriage after divorce can have a negative effect on the health of middle-aged and older adults.