In a study released today, older men are happier than older women. The reason? Women are less likely to achieve their life goals or they achieve them earlier -- like marriage, a home, a family. (Source: lifescience.com) Here are some of the milestones of the study:
* 41: Age at which men's financial satisfaction exceeds women's financial satisfaction.
* 48: Age at which men's overall happiness exceeds women's overall happiness.
* 64: Age at which men's satisfaction with family life exceeds women's satisfaction.
Some of the reasons for older women's unhappiness is that they may have experienced divorce or widowhood by this point.
Do you agree with these findings? Would you say you are happier now than you were in your youth? How have your aspirations for happiness changed over time? Or did they?
All user-generated information on this site is the opinion of its author only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. Members and guests are responsible for their own posts and the potential consequences of those posts detailed in our Terms of Service.
Add a Comment2 Comments
I agree with the findings. As wives and mothers, we spend our time and energy taking care of others and making sure they're happy, taking little time out for ourselves.
My dreams and aspirations have changed, most certainly. It was easier to be happier in my younger days because I had no responsibilities and the money to do what I wanted.
The older I got, my dreams and aspirations changed. Now, I worry about the future. But, such is life and happiness is a matter of what you make of it.
August 1, 2008 - 6:37pmThis Comment
I am a widow of four years after a 20 year marriage. I have three boys. I have had varying degrees of happiness through the years. As a mother I put my kids first, seeing to their needs and sometimes you do put your happiness to the side. But overall, I was happy throughout the years.
Due to my current life situation, my life has changed and I am now totally responsible for making my own happiness, on my own. For me, this is empowering, and opens the world to a new life, a new perspective, a new happiness. Life is what we each decide to make it. We all get slammed or hurt, but it's how we deal with it and come out on the other side. I choose happiness over anger and bitterness.
August 2, 2008 - 11:14am