The “childless cat ladies” are clawing back.
The Pew Research Center surveyed childless Americans to gain insight into the state of their lives — and they’re far more satisfied than any stereotype would have you believe.
A significant 20% of all US citizens over the age of 50 do not have children, with Pew asking 2,542 of them about their finances, fears for the future and whether or not they feel fulfilled without any offspring.
The results were released Friday — just days after Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance’s resurfaced comments about “childless cat ladies” sparked controversy across the country, prompting a sharp response from “Friends” alum Jennifer Aniston .
Aniston is not the only celebrity over the age of 50 who does not have children. Her ex Justin Theroux, 52, actor Matt Dillon, 60, and Oscar winner Christopher Walken, 81, are among the other childless Hollywood stars.
Walken has been married to his wife, Georgiane, for 55 years and the couple has no regrets about not becoming parents.
And, apparently, most other childless Americans feel the same way.
Only 22% of Pew respondents say they I DO having children has an easier life, suggesting that the demographic largely does not envy those who have become parents.
In contrast, most respondents without children say it’s easier to afford the things they want and save for the future.
In general, Americans without children are in much better financial shape than those with children.
Childless women over 50 earn about 25% more on average than mothers in the same age group.
Childless men, however, earn slightly less than their male counterparts who are fathers.
But both men and women without children have higher overall net worth and greater retirement savings than those with offspring, according to Pew, which also examined U.S. Census data as part of its research.
Perhaps surprisingly, more childless women than childless men say they have “sometimes” felt societal pressure to have children (42% compared to 27%).
While their reasons for not becoming parents varied, only 8% of respondents said it was because they didn’t like children.
In fact, a large majority of childless respondents said they had a very close relationship with at least one niece or nephew—including 74% of women.
And when it comes to the future, only a minority are afraid to feel alone or face their issues.
Less than a quarter (19%) say loneliness could become a problem as they age, while only 26% are worried about who will look after them.
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