Does age matter when it comes to dating?
To follow up on our last article titled “Older Women, Younger Men†we interviewed several men and women who attended our Long Island Singles events. The goal was to better understand why the majority of men want to date younger women, while the growing trend is that older women would prefer to date younger men. We had taken a poll a few months back and found that 68% of women surveyed said they would be interested in dating a younger man, however 65% of the men said they would not be interested in dating an older woman. The question is why???
What the guys said
The number one answer given by Men between the ages of 34-47 was that they still wanted to have children and would be concerned that an older woman may have less child bearing years left. This is despite the fact, that many women have children in their 40’s and 50’s.
The second most common response from the guys is that dating a younger woman made them feel younger themselves.
Younger men between 25 and 33 were more open to dating an older woman and did not raise the children issue.
What the women said
The ladies between 40 and 55 had a different take on the subject. They were more interested in dating a younger man because they “take care of themselves and are in better shape than guys my own ageâ€, said Claire, a 47 year old woman from Long Island. “Older guys don’t have enough energy to keep up with me. I like to be on the go, and seem to have more in common with a younger man.â€
The ladies between the ages of 25 and 40 were more divided on the topic. Most said that age shouldn’t matter at all and that it all depends on the connection and the maturity level. Most of the women in this bracket did say they were used to dating older men because women mature much faster then men.
Jay–I have a great idea…what about an event for men who are widowers?! It's so tough to meet a normal, sane man in his 40's – who is FIT. Most have beer bellies or are limping around like a war veteran. ;(
They "used to play football, or use to run"…but are now sedentary, lack energy, and motivation and interest in doing anything but going out to eat or drink alcohol. Give me a guy that is energetic, into playing sports, going horseback riding or even meeting up at the gym…and I'm sold!!! And I'm 41….but I do work out 6-7 times a week, take dance, yoga and cycling classes.
Just enjoy being active.
What is wrong with you people???? All this emphasis on age and weight! No wonder all of you are single!! It's hard enough to find a GOOD person–one who you can be yourself around, compatible, has a good sense of humor, has similar interests or at least will be open to exploring new things. No one is perfect, we all have faults…it is this kind of thinking that keeps dating services in business and people from committing because they think if they hold out long enough they will find the "perfect mate". Unreal!
There is NOTHING wrong with these people! We all have preferences…and some of us are very active, enjoy the outdoors, and love running around, and are therefore physically fit. It's difficult to get involved with someone that has zero energy, and lacks the motivation to pursue ANY interests, aside from playing Remote Control Commander! Some of us take pride in our appearances, and address our health concerns…and are not compatible with people who just sit around doing absolutely nothing, but eating and drinking their lives away. Is finding someone who is sincere and good-natured important? Absolutely…and that doesn't come secondary to what we see on the outside. But to state that one is completely void of external preferences and lifestyle standards is an outright lie. Searching for someone who cares about their appearances does not equate to trying to find "the perfect mate". And YES–age DOES matter. Not always–but usually. Moreso, if one or the other want children…and if one or the other doesn't or can't conceive. Those are valid reasons for discussions and can and have been cause for divorces and break-ups. That's reality!
Jay–great idea…when the weather gets warmer…coordinate a nice hiking event — as suggested by another person. Or a bike ride – that would get all the fitness enthusiasts together. It would be a nice way to network with people who share that same interest. In this case, one wouldn't have to hear – "I used to run" or "I used to go hiking"…and then find they are sitting next to the biggest couch potato around. You would actually get to go hiking, while meeting others who are active!! 🙂