I didn't vote because my answer doesn't neatly fit into that poll. My late wife was 16 years older than me, but at that time I was a lot younger than now. At my present age, 60, I will only date 8 years older than me because at this stage of life, I don't want to end up a caretaker again with a partner so soon after my last turn. But I realize also at this stage, that I could be the one needing a caretaker just as much as my partner or that a woman even ten years older than me could be in great health and well out live me. So, I'm leaving the range at 8 years older to hedge my bets and ten years younger, knowing full well that few women that much younger will ever give me a look in these days of widespread cougaring among women 50-55 yo.

My first question is: Why does a line have to be drawn? That's an individual preference.

For men 5 years younger is almost too much, 15 older is fine.
It's why nursing homes are filled with women.

I prefer older men, 10, 15, even 20 years older. However even 5 years younger makes me squeamish.

Age is just a number, but usually it is wise to stay within 10 years or you will not have a lot in common. But if you are talking about a fun weekend or something then what ever...

In which direction?

I don't draw the line....the line gets drawn at me ?

I said five, but I’ve been with older (19 yrs). And why I said five.

As a practical matter, age difference is something one needs to consider in long term relationships where children are involved. In those cases, if the man is older, it is wise to consider what his lineage has shown in terms of longevity before making any commitments.

The example I use here is myself and my wife (I know this case). Our age difference is 15 years. The oldest child is 49 and our youngest is 30. I am now 78 and my wife is 63. We have a good relationship, are not wealthy, but moderately comfortable. I came from a family known for the longevity of its members on both sides. We thought it would be a safe bet and it has proven to be so, at least to date.

If it's not a relationship where there will be ongoing responsibilities like children, I doubt that age difference is of any particular importance and the satisfaction derived will be dependent upon the attitudes and expectations of the participants.

I said 5, but only because of how things have worked out so far. I don't have a problem with an age difference so much as I do a maturity level difference. I have usually been attracted more to men my age or older, but that doesn't mean all younger men are immature or that all older men aren't. So I wouldn't rule someone out based on age alone (outside of underage gents, which is a big NOPE from me) just like I wouldn't rule them out based on looks or health or a number of other things on there own merit. Yes, these things are measured and weighed, so to speak, but they are all just parts of a big picture and if I only kept my eye out for one I might not see the amazing work of art right in front of me that they create when put together.

Hell if I know.

I voted for 10, although I wouldn't regard it as inflexible. My parents were 10 years apart. They had a loving relationship, but it did mean that when my father died of cancer at the relatively young age of 68, my mother was only 58, and she lived a widow until she was 91. Longer a widow than married! As for my own case, I am almost 75 and am eight years older than my wife. But at the moment I am in better health than she is, so it's a toss-up which of us will cark it first!

I don't, married twice, 1st wife 10 years younger, married for 10 years. 2nd wife. 15 years younger, married 5 years now, I'm 65 she is 50, better than ever!

Obviously there are exceptions but I said 10. I've dated women mostly younger, some older. At my age (55) it doesn't really matter that much. My most successful relationships have been with women 5-8 years younger

I'm more concerned about if they have kids and are they financially independent. I prefer someone with no kids or older kids who live on their own. I can pay for my own retirement and I'd like it if they could too. And all that other stuff like chemistry, values alignment, intelligence...

I voted five. At my age, anymore would be creepy lol.

I relate a lot it’s with the younger crowd 20’s to 30’s because I forget that I’m older sometime and I keep a youthful mind , some say I’m immature not that someone in their 20’s or 30’s are immature but I always have a sense of humor and I have a sense of wonder and adventure .

I’ve only dated +/- about 7 years each direction but I would go more

For myself I usually look in the 5 year older to 10 year younger range. But that's just browsing the field. Each person is a unique case, and I love to break rules, especially my own.

It seems like the older you get the less it matters. An 18 yo with a 28 yo.... But 45 and 55? Who cares

It never mattered to me. I've went both older and younger.

I’m 48, I will not date anyone younger than 40. I prefer to date older, and will go about 10 years or so. It really depends on thier spirit.

Half plus seven. I'm 53. 26.5+7= 33.5. 33 is the youngest I'll go. 53-7=46; 46*2=92. 53 is half plus seven for 92 so that would be the upper limit.

Realistically I want someone who is in the same place in their life as I am. I'm looking to retire in another ten to fifteen years. If there is someone younger who is planning an early retirement or who perhaps has the ability to travel with me even though they are still working then that age is entirely appropriate and would be considered as a possible long term relationship for me. What I've found is that I have commonalities with people who are within 15 years of me. 38-68.

Completely depends on the person. One of the happiest relationship I know, right now, he is 54, she is 76...she used to babysit him!

No specific limit but maturity can be an issue as I discovered.

I can't vote because there's no upper limit for me, but for younger, I tend not to go for anyone under ~24 or so, so my range is -12 to positive infinity.