'Happy wife, happy life' is a phrase many men live by but new research suggests it should be rejigged to 'happy wife, long life'. A study found participants who were happy in their marriage were less likely to die within an eight-year period.
Researchers believe those who are content with their other half are more motivated to lead an active lifestyle.
But living with someone who is 'depressed and wants to spend the evening eating chips in front of the TV' encourages unhealthy habits, they add.
The research was carried out by Tilburg University in the Netherlands and led by Dr Olga Stavrova, from its department of social psychology. The researchers hope future studies will include larger groups of couples from outside the US to determine if the same findings occur.
