Actually, the complete opposite of that is true. Older women are even more likely than young women to want to stay single, or at least to not want to live with a man. They know who they are; they've transcended a lot of societal programming that disempowers them, and they don't want to give that up. Unlike most men, they have a lot of friends and other social supports outside of romantic relationships. They realize they don't have to settle and a man who doesn't contribute to their lives and their peace is not better than no-one. I think you're projecting, my friend.
“I think it’s not that we don’t want to live with a man. In my case it’s more that, at this point in my life, I know who I am and who I want to share my life with, if at all. I’ve learned to become very selective. And that’s a good thing, for me, anyway.”
Dr. Kimber Shelton, a Texas-based psychologist, names the latter as one of the main reasons that women are happier and healthier living alone. She explains that “research continues to show that in comparison to men, women in heterosexual relationships who work outside of the home continue to take on most of the household responsibilities and childcare labor. Working, coming home to cook, clean, attend to children, and meet their partner’s needs leaves little room for consideration of self.”
Occupying the caregiver role may result in becoming responsible for the health and wellness of a partner, too. Making doctors appointments and providing your partner with meals are just some examples. For Dr. Shelton, this helps to explain why “men in heterosexual relationships tend to live longer and are happier than single men. Meanwhile, married women in heterosexual relationships on average die earlier and express less happiness than single women.”
