Family key to most women's happiness

New Zealand women find happiness in their families more than anything else, while men find happiness in their freedom, according to an opinion poll.

The survey asked 2000 people 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 per cent of females gain the most happiness from their family while men prefer their freedom (36 per cent) and time to pursue their leisure activities (32 per cent).

Freedom was particularly important to males aged 50-59.

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

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

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

People in Hawkes Bay liked to put up their feet and relax the most (46 per cent), while Wellington came in the lowest (24 per cent).

Women enjoy chatting more than men, with 42 per cent of females versus 35 per cent of males enjoying catching up with friends or family in the evening

Women aged 60 and over are the happiest group, with a mean of 7.7 out of 10.

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

What we like most ...

The top five things that create happiness, as rated by the sexes:

* Family - females (82 per cent) versus males (71 per cent).

* Having enough money - females (57 per cent) versus males (55 per cent).

* Good health - females (57 per cent) versus males (52 per cent).

* Your friends - females (51 per cent) versus males (46 per cent).

* Partner/boyfriend/girlfriend - females (39 per cent) versus males (45 per cent).

- NZPA