Why do younger women prefer older men? How much age difference is still ok?

Answer 1

Read about Evolutionary Psychology. It points out that much of behavior can be tied to our relative reproductive strategies. Procreation for females is very 'expensive', taking a significant amount of effort and time (9 months), while the cost to males is relatively cheap. So, women tend to look for men who are proven providers and are more stable, while men look for fertility (youth, certain body shapes, etc).

Before you think this is some chauvinist point of view, it has a lot of experimental and observed evidence behind it. For example, surveys done around the world show these are not an artifact of western culture, but constants in all cultures. Also, in species where the males are the primary care-givers of the young (sea-horses for example), the males show the 'female-like' behavior seen in other species (e.g. the behavior follows the role, not the other way around).

At to what is an acceptable age difference... that is up to the individuals. I agree I cringe when I think of Larry King and how his wife is 40+ years different in age. But, does it really matter as long as they are both happy? What impact does it really have on my life?

Answer 2

I dated a guy 19 yrs older then me for over a year. I am not sure if I can say "how much" of an age difference is ok. I think it just depends on what you are comfortable with.
Maybe look LESS at the age, and more at the relationship as a whole. Do you have common interest? Are you in the same place in your life? Do you want the same things?
Ok...as for the age...
So many people felt the need to point out how old *he* would be when I was 50 yrs old. {{rolling my eyes}}
'cause I can't do basic math...
No matter how old someone is, you never know how healthy they will be in 10, 20, or 30 yrs.
My husband (we have been married 4 yrs) is only 8 yrs older then me.

Answer 3

Most older men are more established and more mature, and therefore more attractive to women in general.

I've always gone by "the rule of 7", which says that you take the older persons age, divide it in half, then add 7. That's the youngest person they should date.

Therefore:
A 40 year old should date no one younger than 27.
A 30 year old should date no one younger than 22.
A 25 year old should date no one older than 36.

Answer 4

I'm 33, my fiance is 22. I think it depends on the maturity level of the woman. Most females my fiances age stay in the club, get drunk, dress like hoochies, etc. and think life is a big party! They like all the latest songs that come out and don't care too much for oldies. That type of female would not want to be with me. So you do have alot of young females who have what is commonly referred to as "an old soul". A man their own age would not work for them, thus the reason for finding an older man. I think no more than 15 years as far as the age difference. After that, you start thinking of how you are almost old enough to be her dad and that is always a very interesting conversation.

Answer 5

I personally don't like men that are that much older, just different topics of conversation, and old men can be so boring.. even if they are more financially stable..

I think 5 years is the max age difference for me. I suppose if your in your late teens - early 20's, 5 years can be alot. But if you are in your 40's, then a 5 year age gap is not alot. It is all up to the individual.

Answer 6

Younger women think that older men have more 'experience'. I'd say that an age difference of less than 10-15 years is okay.

Answer 7

Older men know what they are doing and are appreciative of the younger women. As long as she is an adult what difference does age make?

Answer 8

Younger women prefer older men because they tend to know what they want out of life. You can't find too many younger men who are close to that page these days. For me the man can't be more than four years older than me and not older than my brother. I am close to being 26 and my brother is 30.

Answer 9

The evolution process has made the famels brain look for someone that would be a good father for her children. Older men are more financially secure and/or able to help raise children.

As far as how much is too much - it depends on the age of the people involved, but as long as they love each other no age difference matters - unless one party is under 18.

Answer 10

Not all younger women prefer older men. Nowadays, I'd say most prefer one of similar age.
Age does not matter, as long as the individuals involved are of legal age. It's no one else's business.