Yes, men really ARE good carers

Men are better at caring for their spouses in older age than previous research suggests, according to a study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series B.

A joint study by Oxford University and the University of Pennsylvania found that, contrary to earlier findings which showed female caregivers were more responsive to an ill spouse, men do in fact offer similar levels of care and do more housework and errands.

Results were based on data from nearly 600 couples, with an average age of 69. The researchers said: ‘This stands in contrast to the division of caregiving (i.e. childcare, housework) in mid-life. Women won’t have to worry about their partners not being up to the job of caring for them, should they need to.’