Grumpy old women: It's the ladies who lose their cool more as the years go by

By FIONA MACRAE FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Updated:


It's enough to put a spring in the step of grumpy old men everywhere  -  women may be more miserable than they are.

Despite starting life more satisfied, women end up less happy with their lot than their male friends and colleagues, the latest research shows.

By the age of 48 women are the sadder sex  -  while men start to enjoy the best years of their lives.

Grumpy Old Women: Dillie Jeane, Jenny Eclair and Linda Robson all appeared on a BBC programme claiming to be grumpy in their 'old age'

Grumpy Old Women: (L-R) Dillie Jeane, Jenny Eclair and Linda Robson all appeared on a BBC programme claiming to be grumpy in their 'old age'

The key to the findings, from Cambridge University researcher Anke Plagnol, are differing financial and family situations.

On entering adulthood, women are on average more satisfied with their lives than their male peers.

But, as time passes, they are less likely to find lasting love and meet their material goals.

Dr Plagnol said: 'In later life, it is men who come closer to achieving their aspirations, are more satisfied with their family lives and financial situations, and are the happier of the two.'

The sociologist looked at surveys measuring the happiness and expectations of thousands of American men and women.

For example, they were asked whether they dreamed of getting married and having children, whether they aspired to have a well-paid job or to have a second car or second home.

The analysis showed women in their 20s and 30s tend to be happier than men of the same age.

It is thought this is because women often settle down earlier than men  -  meaning they achieve their dream of a happy marriage at a younger age. In contrast, the saddest period of man's life is in his 20s  -  the time when he is most likely to be single.

Young men are also less likely to be satisfied over money, not because they are worse off but because they want more.

But age alters many things. By 41 men are happier with their finances than women. And at 48 men take the lead in terms of overall happiness, the Journal of Happiness Studies reports.

This is because women's tendency to marry  -  and so divorce  -  at a younger age, and their longer life expectancy take their toll on happiness, bringing disappointment in later life.

Their longer lifespan means they are more likely to be widowed in their later years. However, a man who lives into old age will is likely to still have his wife at his side.

The loss of two wages also puts women under financial strain as they get older.

Dr Plagnol, who worked with an economist from the University of Southern California, said: 'Of course, one doesn't have to be married to be happy, but if that's something you really want  -  and it is for most people  -  then the failure to attain it can have an impact on your overall happiness.'

But, if a survey of 10,000 Britons a fortnight ago is taken into consideration, it looks like men and women might have to take it in turns to be grumpy as they get older.

The English Longitudinal Study of Ageing found women revel in life as they get older because they are freed from the burdens of raising a family and are more appreciative of modest blessings. Men, however, are condemned to a Victor Meldrew-like future.

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