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Women unhappier than men in later life

Photo by Getty Images

A study carried out in the US has revealed that women become unhappier than men in later life, despite experiencing greater overall life satisfaction in early adulthood.

According to the survey to be detailed in an upcoming report in the Journal of Happiness Studies, women start out far happier in life than their male counterparts because reaching key milestones earlier on in life, such as marriage and financial success, brings them greater satisfaction. As time goes on however, the situation is reversed, with men feeling more satisfaction with finances and family later in life, and a greater sense of fulfilment in terms of material possessions.

Researchers found that our happiness and level of life satisfaction is attributable to the gap between what people want, and what they actually have. In early life, around 90 per cent of men and women want to be married, yet more women than men actually achieve this in their 20s or early 30s. Similarly, in early life, women are more likely to fulfil their dreams of acquiring a home, car or holiday retreat. According to lead researcher Anke Plagnol, sociologist and economist at the University of Cambridge in England, this is partly due to the tendency for women in the United States to marry older men at a younger age.

“Usually people who are married have a better financial situation since often they have double incomes,” Plagnol said. “They also are more likely to fulfill their financial aspirations.”

Interestingly, the survey revealed that both men and women feel they need more to be happy, the older they get. Younger men and women taking part in the study selected just three or four items from a list of ten things they considered they needed to be happy, compared to older participants who chose an average of six. The finding confirms that people’s wants do change over time and adapt to achievement, despite a general assumption in economic theory that preferences are stable.

As Plagnol told LiveScience, “What that means for happiness is quite interesting. When you acquire something in the material goods domain, it will not really increase your happiness because you just adjust your aspirations.”

Three key age milestones detailed in the study:

  • 41: Age at which men’s financial satisfaction exceeds women’s

  • 48: Age at which men’s general happiness exceeds women’s

  • 64: Age at which men’s satisfaction with family life exceeds women’s

YOUR SAY: Do you agree women feel less satisfied with life in older age? And do you want more, the older you get? Tell us your thoughts below.

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Miley Cyrus: ‘I’m ready to break out’

**The teen queen has an edgy new album, a new movie and is looking for a boyfriend.

By Maggie Ryan/Feats Press**

Tween dream Miley Cyrus is only 15 but she has already suffered heartbreak and humiliation. Earlier this year, the girl otherwise known as Hannah Montana created a storm after posing half-naked in just a bedsheet for Vanity Fair magazine.

A new set of photos has caused even more controversy. The photos, which show Miley in the shower wearing only a see-through white T-shirt, are rumoured to have been leaked by former beau Nick Jonas from US pop trio the Jonas Brothers.

Nevertheless, the daughter of Achy Breaky Heart muso Billy Ray Cyrus is soldiering on, and she reveals her growing maturity in her not-so-sweet album Breakout, to be released in a few weeks. Add to it the upcoming release of Hannah Montana: The Movie and Miley is set to rake in even more riches to her multi-million-dollar nest egg.

Do you have a lot of males in your fan base?

There are young guys, yeah. But there are old guys too — which can be creepy. It is really cute when you see dads out with their daughters and you see them singing along, because they know all the words because their daughters have been listening to the album over and over. But it’s when you see the older guys there on their own that it gets really creepy.

Is it all young girls that come to see you, or is it their mums throwing their knickers on stage for your dad?

(Laughs) I have seen that, but you know, my dad is oblivious to it. All these girls are like 20-year-olds and I’ll be going over to give them autographs and they’ll be like “Er, actually we are here for your dad.” I just have to walk away and say, “Oh, OK.”

What is the Hannah Montana movie going to be about?

Well, it’s kind of like my normal life, almost. It really shows the Miley Stewart side of life.

Is it true you have your own waxwork now in Madame Tussaud’s in New York?

Yes, it’s true! I haven’t seen it yet though. I didn’t have to pose for it and the clothes are nothing like I would wear. So I was a little angry. It was so weird. I was, like, “I do’t dress like that!” But I like it.

How do you manage to maintain your sense of fun with this business and not get caught up in it?

I guess it’s because the only people I really care about what they think are, like, my true follower fans and supporters. Everyone else … I try and tune them out because they’re not who I do my music or movies for. I only do it for my fans that love me unconditionally, no matter what, because that’s what I would do for them. So those are the only people I try to keep happy — and their parents of course too!

How do you keep you feet on the ground?

You’ve just got to know who your true friends are, and I think for me, it’s my mom [Tish]. I am super-lucky and always try and remember my blessings. I have such a loyal fan base too. Without them I wouldn’t be here now.

There’s a rumour going around that you’re doing a Britney Spears and dating your backing dancer now, as she did with K-Fed — is that true? And is it true your mum went mad about it because he is seven years older than you?

No, that is not true! He’s just a close friend of mine. I’m buddies with all my backing dancers. We’re just all super-close and goof around.

You’ve achieved so much despite your young age. What else do you want to achieve?

I really just want to be a great songwriter, a legit one. Not just for my album but for other artists too.

Breakout is released on August 30, on EMI Music.

For more of this interview, see this week’s 60th anniversary issue of Woman’s Day (on sale August 4).

Your say: Is 15 too young to be photographed semi-nude? Have your say below…

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Tyson Beckford gets tough

**By Josephine Agostino

The supermodel turns his hand to mentoring in a new Aussie reality show.**

There’s Naomi, Linda, Cindy, Claudia — and then there’s Tyson Beckford. When it comes to supermodels, few males have risen to the heights of this six-foot-two hunk. From being the face of Ralph Lauren to named one of the world’s “most beautiful people”, the 37-year-old New Yorker is now making a name for himself on the big and small screens. While his latest role is a tough guest judge on the Aussie version of Make Me A Supermodel, the single dad doesn’t mind being friendly — especially when it comes to the show’s host, Jennifer Hawkins.

What do you think of the aspiring models on the show?

You guys have a far better cast than we do in the States. They’re so talented. I spent some time with them and got to know them.

Are you a tough judge?

I’m very tough, but the kids understand the reason I’m being tough is to prepare them for a really tough business. It’s a dog-eat-dog world and I want them to be tough-skinned. I’ve had people throw my portfolio at me. You have to be able to pick yourself up and bounce back for the next go-see. There might be another 100 people who might like you, even if the first one doesn’t. Don’t let that one bring you down.

Are you becoming the Simon Cowell of modelling?

Yeah, I’ve already got that in the States, that I’m so mean. These kids know I’m not being vindictive.

What does your 10-year-old son Jordan think of you being a model?

He knows about fashion. His mum is a stylist, but we try not to force it on him. He’s very helpful, though. He’ll tell you who can walk and who can’t. He’s got a good eye. I can ask him about my suits and he’ll give his opinion.

Have you ever done a job that’s made you blush?

No, I’ve never had to wear a man thong, or those types of things.

Do you think your friend Naomi Campbell has been portrayed unfairly?

Always. I believe she’s been given a bad rap since day one. You don’t see the charity work that she’s done. That woman does amazing things. We were in Nigeria and she said that every country she goes to, she visits a children’s hospital there and she brings them toys and she buys it all herself with her own money. I saw her, I witnessed it. All you see is the cell phone stuff, the fights. People don’t know the back story of the fight in the airport. She was called a racial name, that’s why she got upset. You call any person a racial name, of course they’re going to get upset. She told me, this guy called me such-and-such, and I was like, if you called me that it would be a brawl. I understand why she went the way she did. If you called [Barack] Obama that name, I’d guarantee there’d be a fight too.

So you say actresses are a lot more diva-like than models?

Yeah, they demand more attention, whoopla. I was in the supermodel era and none of them were like that.

What about Linda Evangelista, who said she wouldn’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day?

That’s the going rate. You can’t blame them on that. That’s not being a diva, that’s just being smart and knowing your worth. Them girls are smart not getting out of bed for that rate. I agree with them — I don’t think I even got out of bed for less than that myself.

Is it true you were involved in gangs before you were discovered as a model?

I was involved in street stuff, illegal street racing. I was constantly getting into trouble. I’m not going to lie, I spent two nights in jail on two separate occasions. I wasn’t the pretty boy in the cell or anything — some were a little scared of me. I don’t think I would have gone down that path. Going there for minor things let me know you could spend the rest of your life in those things. I like my freedom. If I didn’t be a model, I would have straightened up eventually and probably gotten my own automotive garage. And I kind of have one now. We build crazy race cars and fast motorcycles.

That is interesting, given you almost died in a car crash in 2005?

It’s okay because you’re on a controlled track, and on normal roads you have knuckleheads. My incident was a hit and run and I was in the wrong place at the wrong time. I was in my truck, I got hit from behind, it did a tailspin and I got pushed into a light pole by a big Mack Truck. My car got caught in flames and it nearly blew up with me in it. But I was able to get out of it. That was a wake-up call for me to get a lot of things done in my life.

You’ve appeared in a few movies now. Who is your favourite actor you’ve worked with?

Lawrence Fishburne, he was a lot of fun. Paul Walker, Jessica Alba, Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson. They’re all great.

Make Me A Supermodel premieres Wednesday, August 6 at 7.30pm on Seven.

For more of this interview, see this week’s 60th anniversary issue of Woman’s Day (on sale August 4).

Your say: Have your say below…

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Mary’s flirty night after sending drunk Fred home

The Danish palace furiously denies rumours of a rift after Mary sends her tipsy hubby home.

Scandal has erupted in the Danish press over reports that Princess Mary publicly clashed with her drunken husband Prince Frederik at a nightclub — before sending him home and flirting with the hunky star of Danish reality show The X-Factor.

According to top-selling Danish publications Ekstra Bladet and Se og Hør, Mary became increasingly frustrated with Fred’s drunken antics during a late-night party binge at the Hyttefadet nightclub in the remote town of Skagen.

The holidaying couple were reported to be in high spirits when they turned up at the club at 1.30am, after leaving a private party earlier that night. The pair were joined by a group of 20 pals, including Danish ex-footballer Allan Nielsen and handsome TV star and songwriter Remee.

For the full story, see this week’s 60th anniversary issue of Woman’s Day (on sale August 4).

Your say: Is it right for royals to get drunk in public or should they set a better example?

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Olympians special: Dreams of gold

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Olympians special: Dreams of gold (continued)

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In the mag – August 11, 2008

60th birthday issue on sale Monday August 4, 2008

Jennifer tells: inside my private world

The former Miss Universe opens up exclusively to Woman’s Day about her personal life and fame.

Reggie’s heartbreak: I won’t see Mia grow up

Our favourite Big Brother winner reveals her devastating diagnosis — that she’s going blind.

Olympians special: Dreams of gold

Meet the Aussie medal hopefuls who will fight it out to be first over the finish line in Beijing.

Mary’s flirty night after sending drunk Fred home

The Danish palace furiously denies rumours of a rift after Mary sends her tipsy hubby home.

Miley Cyrus: ‘I’m ready to break out’

The controversial tween queen has an edgy new album, a new movie and is looking for a boyfriend.

Tyson Beckford gets tough

The hunky New York supermodel turns his hand to mentoring in a new Aussie reality show alongside our own Jennifer Hawkins.

  • Stephanie Rice tells: ‘The truth about our split’

The Beijing hopeful opens up about the end of her relationship with Eamon Sullivan.

  • Missing persons: The 10 most baffling cases in Australia

Last year, Woman’s Day launched a campaign to bring families of missing people back together in time for Christmas. The response was incredible, and 10,000 Australians were relocated as a result. With thousands of Aussies still missing, we’re now appealing to you to help solve some of the most mysterious cases during National Missing Persons Week from August 3-9.

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Reggie’s heartbreak: I won’t see Mia grow up

By Monique Butterworth

Pictures: Paul Broben

Our favourite Big Brother winner reveals her devastating diagnosis.

With her eyes firmly focused on her precious 16-month-old daughter Mia, Regina “Reggie” Sorensen is visually taking in all she can. Because, tragically, the popular 2003 Big Brother winner is going blind.

Reggie has retinitis pigmentosa (RP) — an inherited, degenerative condition that affects the retina, the light-sensitive part of the eye. One in 3000 Australians suffer from the disease.

For Reggie, 34, who is now classified as legally blind, it’s only a matter of time before she loses her sight completely.

For the full story, see this week’s 60th anniversary issue of Woman’s Day (on sale August 4).

For more information on RP or to donate to Vision Australia, call 1300 847 466 or visit www.visionaustralia.org.au

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Kerri-Anne’s wacky 80s album

Early on, Kerri-Anne established herself as the TV presenter who goes the extra mile.

It’s never too early for adventure…

…such as flying through the air!

“It wasn’t one of the finest fashion eras,” laughs Kerri-Anne.

In the face of a white-out, Kerri-Anne would show no fear…

…and our faithful TV presenter will work in rain, hail or… slime?!

No stranger to novelty events, Kerri-Anne gets suited up for battle.

Kerri-Anne has a go at being a cowgirl…

…and takes the desert by storm on camelback.

On the brink of disaster, Kerri-Anne holds her breath and keeps the cameras rolling!

Kerri-Anne receives the seal’s approval.

We come full-circle with fabulous TV fave Kerri-Anne.

We keep the funny pics rolling as we take a look at celebrity fashion faux pas — don’t miss all those once-off shockers… and repeat offenders!

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Jennifer tells: Life, love and my new TV show

**By Jenny Brown

The former Miss Universe opens up to Woman’s Day about her personal life and fame.**

Jennifer Hawkins can seemingly do no wrong. Since being crowned Miss Universe in 2004, the down-to-earth Newcastle native has worked and walked her way into the nation’s hearts, and is about to add to her multimillion-dollar empire by launching her own swimwear line.

In a candid interview to celebrate her role as host of Seven’s new show Make Me A Supermodel, the 24-year-old talks about the thrill of taking her next big step in prime-time TV, her life away from the camera lens and why long-time partner Jake Wall won’t be popping the question any time soon.

Congratulations on your first solo hosting role!

Thanks, I’ve always loved working on The Great Outdoors and still do, but hosting a show like Make Me A Supermodel seemed to be the next step. It’s very exciting.

Are you feeling jittery?

No. I did get a major adrenalin rush right before we started shooting the first segment! I sort of treated it like it was another episode of The Great Outdoors, so no pressure. I had that thought in my head and away I went.

Make Me A Supermodel premieres Wednesday, August 6, at 7.30pm on the Seven Network.

For the full interview, see this week’s 60th anniversary issue of Woman’s Day (on sale August 4).

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