Study: Widows Are Happier And Healthier Than Married Women

When we heard that someone is a widow, we feel sorry that her husband dies too early. We feel sad that she no longer has her lifetime partner beside her. Most think that widows are sad and miserable, but according to new study they are happier and healthier that their married woman counterpart.

Widows Are Happier And Healthier

According to a new study by the University of Padova and the National Research Council's Institute of Neuroscience in Italy, older widows are less stressed and frail compared to their married counterparts, New York Post  reported. However, the opposite happens when it comes to older men. Older married men are stronger than their unmarried or widowed counterparts.

The study learned that widows are 23 percent less likely frail than married women. The findings did not support the long-held belief that a good marriage is good for one's health as it can lower the risk of heart attacks and depression and increase the rate of survival among cancer patients.

A previous survey from Australia showed that widows and widowers had the highest levels of wellbeing compared to singles and married. "In particular, mental well-being, feeling part of the community and physical health are significantly stronger contributors to the wellbeing of widows when compared to married couples," NAB economist said per NZHerald.

Study Details

The researchers analyzed 1,887 data of men and women over 65 years old. They were randomly selected in northern Italy. The study lasted for at least four years. According to Caterina Trevisan, lead researcher, married men benefit from their wives in terms of household management and healthcare that's why married men are healthier. However, married women are more stress and they find their responsibility at home restrictive and frustrating, which makes older widow healthier and happier.

"Since women generally have a longer lifespan than men, married women may also suffer from the effects of caregiver burden, since they often devote themselves to caring for their husband in later life," Trevisan said. She also added that widows are better in handling stress from losing a partner and in living widowhood.

The study is published in Journal of Women's Health.

Do you agree that widows are happier and healthier than a married woman? Have you ever thought about this before? Do you know any widow friends who are happier than your married friends? Share your thoughts below.