A new analysis of census data shows that only 51 percent of American adults are married, a record low for the country.

The median age for first marriage is older than ever for both men and women — women at 26.5 and 28.7 for men.  However, the majority of Americans will still experience marriage at some point in their lives.  The analysis doesn’t illustrate whether Americans are shunning marriage altogether or simply delaying it.  Nevertheless,  the proportion of never-married American adults has increased from 15 percent in 1960 to 28 percent today.

Age of first marriage is on the rise in a number of developed nations around the globe.  According to the United Nations’ 2009 World Fertility Report, the median age at first marriage for women in developed countries rose from 22.3 years old in the 1970s to 29.4 years old in the 2000s. The age of first marriage rose for men, as well.

What do you think?  Are adults shunning marriage?