I think grumpiness is about equal for both genders IMO. Many women, not all have a head start going through and following menopause signifying that change in life and end to fertility and youth. What I have observed is it seems to be that the people who feel least fulfilled in their earlier lives tend to be the grumpiest. Just as Eliza said in her post about increased health issues and also the fact that old friends and perhaps close family members have passed away bringing ones own mortality close to home. One thing that irritates my 86 year old mother is the immaturity, silliness and flippancy of the young. To my way of thinking the younger generation are just being young. Perhaps one day I will be grouching about it myself when or if I get to that age, hopefully not but who knows?