Maybe it has to do with them not enjoying the servitude and submision. Older women had less options. That is the thing, they weren't allowed to choose what they wanted. They married because they didn't hve much choice and weren't happy living the "servitude and submisive" life were, supposedly, they were taken care of.

Also, youth doesn't last and beauty fades. If that was what their husbands valued and nothing else, then, they would stop being valued anymore. I would never dismiss what a grandma says so easily. You might disagree with them, but there are things to learn from them.