Women happier than men: survey

More New Zealand women find happiness in their families than anything else, while men find happiness in their freedom, according to a "happiness survey" released today.

The survey asked 2000 New Zealanders aged 15 and over to rate factors that contributed to their personal happiness.

It found that females outscored males in the smile stakes scoring 7.1 out of 10 for life satisfaction compared with the men who scored 6.9.

Eighty-two percent of New Zealand females gain the most happiness from their family while men preferred their freedom, 36 percent, and time to pursue their leisure activities, 32 percent.

Freedom was particularly important to males aged 50-59.

The survey also found that although money may not buy us happiness, having "enough" money ranked second in sources of happiness for both women, 57 percent, and men, 55 percent.

Being intimate did not rank highly with either males or females with both choosing rest, 31 percent, over intimacy, 1 percent, as the happiest moment of the day.

When it came to the top five things that created happiness both sexes rated:

1. Family - females (82 percent) vs males (71 percent)

2. Having enough money - females (57 percent) vs males (55 percent)

3. Good health - females (57 percent) vs males (52 percent)

4. Your friends - females (51 percent) vs males (46 percent)

5. Partner/boyfriend/girlfriend - females (39 percent) vs males (45 percent)

The survey also found Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough was the most satisfied region, with an average rating of 7.3/10 and the Manawatu-Wanganui region was the least at 6.7.

People in Hawke's Bay liked to put up their feet and relax the most, 46 percent, while Wellington came in the lowest, 24 percent.

New Zealand women enjoy chatting more than men, with 42 percent of women versus 35 percent of men enjoy catching up with friends or family in the evening

Women aged 60 and over are the happiest group in New Zealand with a mean of 7.7/10.

The survey was conducted by conducted by Synovate Ltd on behalf of an international beverage company.

- NZPA