Marriage has long been thought to be beneficial, in sickness and in health.

But a new study suggests that widows actually suffer less stress and frailty than wives whose husbands are still alive.

The findings are in contrast to previous research which showed marriage has a protective effect on health, lowering the risk of a heart attack, depression and increasing the chance of surviving from cancer.

The new study, by the University of Padova, found that while men suffer negative consequences when their wife dies – because they rely more heavily on their spouse - women appear to get healthier.