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Why do men think that they should be with younger women? Women live longer than men do, so, if anything, I would think that women should be with younger men. But, ideally, isn't the best relationship between equals? Doesn't the older man set himself up for failure by only being interested in a much younger woman?

Stephanie99 8 May 13
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0

Men age better than women. sorry but it is the elephant in the room. Myself its about the person but just look at movies. An actor in his 60`s can still play the romantic lead, the same cannot be said for actresses.

Oh where to begin in unpacking this foolishness? Men age “better” than women? Is this all men you’re talking about? Where is the “data set” of information to support this claim? In what peer-reviewed journal will I find the support that men age better? Did you deduce this by yourself? Have you taken into consideration all the Viagra needed for these men to even be sexually useful later in life?

An actor in his 60s playing the romantic lead is based on the sexist male control of the movie industry and has nothing to do with the ability of older women to satisfy younger men. You are using social constructs to reinforce a social construct, which, aside from being inaccurate, is the height of laziness.

@Cricket9 Firstly I said at the onset I go for the person not the body. But lets put some facts out there rather than feminist rhetoric. Men stay fertile much longer than women. This means that even if your Mick Jagger you are still going to able to make a baby. This is sex ie reproduction ie what our bits are for. This IS shown by movies and sorry it is not just a hollywood male dominated industry thing. It is market forces. If a Jane Fonda, Brad Pitt film sold as well if not better than a Sean Connery, Catherine Zeta-Jones movie then you can bet any money you like, someone would make one. Unfortunately Female actors only get to play character roles because thats what puts bums on seats. Not because of some male agenda. As for the blue pill thing. I never said we were as virile but then again there are a lot of women out there on HRT keeping the flame alive.

@273kelvin Once again, show me your peer-reviewed proofs. I am not the one spouting rhetoric. Step off.

@Cricket9 I am off out soon but I will get back to this. in the meantime. What part of males stay fertile do you dispute? What part of older actors pull bigger box office than older actresses do you dispute?

@273kelvin 1. Males fathering children late in life does not equate to men ageing better than women:

[menshealth.com]

@273kelvin Assuming older women can’t be romantic leads

[vox.com]

@273kelvin Again, you are using an existing social construct (read as: imaginary and without tested data set to support it) in order to continue to reinforce your social construct. Circular reasoning will be laughed at as it is dismissed.
On the male agenda in cinema:

[latimes.com]

@mudhen would not hit. 🙂

@Cricket9 2 people in their 30`s both think that maybe having kids one day would be an idea. The woman will include older guys in what she is looking for. The man less likely to

@Cricket9 well ... I even remember the date I witnessed this anecdote. Ben his name was. I had never met this old Dutchmen until this 29th of February of the bicentennial" of the big brown land downunder* . He greeted us politely and added that his wife was sending her apologies. "She's in hospital," he added as an explanation. "Oh, is she sick?" "No, just having a baby. Ben was 71. Two years later we received a card informing us that the Ben's youngest son had another little brother.
There was no IVF involved.
Needless to add that I have never come across a woman in her 70s having a child ... Naturally. Nature is an amalgam of injustices. Women live longer, but their childbearing age is usually shorter than men's ability to father children.
Many women seem to lose their libido earlier and it doesn't seem to bother them as much as men.
For many men the prospect of becoming impotent is almost like a death sentence.

@Cricket9 I read both those articles and they only go to back up what I said. The top 3 grossing pictures had male leads in excess of 20 years age difference. This is not because of some agenda, this is market forces. Nobody forced women to find Richard Gere attractive.
No surprise that hollywood is a male dominated industry, nearly all industries are. We would be here a long time discussing the rights and wrongs of that.

@273kelvin When we change the social construct we change the outcomes. And I agree, I've spent all the time on you I intend.

@PontifexMarximus At no point have I discussed IVF. Also, 71 year old men run a greater risk of defective sperm impregnating women. Regardless, let’s focus on this asinine need to procreate prolifically. We are already overpopulated on this planet. More narcissists vying for immortality through offspring in old age is ludicrous. Lastly, the discussion is about the idea of men ageing better than women. I have no idea what reproduction has to do with this topic, but you penis owners seem obsessed with it.

@Cricket9 I dont know why you deny that reproduction has nothing to do with attractiveness. When it is the biological imperative that motivates our sex drive. It is the reason women will wear sexier clothes when they ovulate. Its the birds and the bees ffs. Also men later in life will be on average more successful than there younger counterparts ie. better providers which is sexy in biological selfish gene terms
As for changing social constructs, good luck with that one. At the moment market forces say that women like films such as "pretty woman" and as women make about 80% of all purchases. It will be women who drive the market as usual. So there will be no need for them to buy all those anti-aging creams and potions, die their hair etc. Cosmetic surgeries will no longer be giving them nips and tucks when their bits go south. Because we will all live in a utopian ideal. Where we will all grow old as gracefully or disgracefully as we want and Trump will just be an ugly memory. I like the idea but I won't be holding my breath.

Women, studies have shown, are more apt to choose movies to be seen, especially with the "older crowd", who happens to have quite a bit of disposable income, at least in many parts of the US. So is it really a surprise that older actors continue to bring in box office bucks? But if you check the Most Beautiful Women lists, the average age has gone from 33 in 1990 to 39 in 2017, so there has been some movement there. Julia Roberts came in first last year and she is over 50!.
Younger women have long been reputed to make men "feel younger". If you look at it logically, based upon post industrial age history, women and men were separated once they started a family, and were no longer in a honeymoon phase, with women having to be mothers, and men looking upon them differently. As people waited longer to start families and divorce became more prevalent, the instinct of younger women looking for security and older men looking for their fertility.
Despite this, I really believe that intelligent men and women realize all this and make their choices from both the head and heart based on a combination of things for compatibility.

@ThinkKate You can quote all the studies you want. I will simply say Bogiie and Bacall. The man had a face like a walnut but he was still sexy.

@273kelvin That's okay. I never found Bogart sexy, but I understand that facts and logic can disrupt sensitive egos. If you'll notice, not all the men here agree with you.

@ThinkKate Im saying that thats not what I necessarily go for either. I am painting with broad strokes.
PS only one guy has commented on this comment and that was to confirm what I said.

@ThinkKate Sure the average age of women in films is increasing. I think that the mans age might be too. do you not think this might be the improvement in cosmetics, health care regimes and/or surgery that make them look younger? I will take your point if you can sight a true 60 old woman in a romantic lead. Not someone who is trying to look 40 something but a real 60 old. Like me or anyone I know.
Don`t get me wrong , I would love to see it but the market rules

@273kelvin You mean like Diane Keaton, Meryl Streep, or Helen Mirin, Sigourney Weaver, Susan Sarandon or Geena Davis?

10

If you really think about this, it makes sense from a biological/evolutionary standpoint. The female role in propogating the species is bearing and rearing children. Younger women are generally more fertile and before modern medicine were better able to survive childbirth (and therefore better able to raise the child). Older men may be better able to provide for a family, or there might be a selection factor in that an older man could be a proven provider rather than a younger man who might or might not become able to provide for a family. I suspect that it's really only in the last 100-150 years that marriages between people of roughly the same age have become the norm.

9

I should have said "some" men, or perhaps "so many" men. My statement is unfair as it stands. I enjoyed reading all the comments. Thanks.

9

Do you know why men generally die sooner that women?

Because they want to.

<running and ducking>

Hahaha do you know me. Lol

I've been known to say, "Married men don't live longer. It just seems longer."

@Gwendolyn2018 : Well played!

7

I got a chance glimpse of the sweetest thing -- an elderly white-haired couple (over 70?) necking in solitude; he reached down and gave her ass an affectionate squeeze...

6

I agree....but I've always like younger men.

5

Quite Honestly, although I have noticed the phenomenon, I have never experienced it. Since I am an oldie, I have to share that my 4 best/longest relationships were with younger men, although I never planned it that way. My first husband was 5 years younger, and when he passed away, my second husband was 12 years younger. At first, I felt that I was too old to go out with him, but he was just so persistent, he sort of wore me down, but in a good way. We were just friends, and would occasionally do things together with our children. No one realized the age difference but me. Twenty years later, we're still married.

5

Age truly is just a number....having said that, I would say that men enjoy being in the company of attractive women. Younger women tend to have a slight edge in that department (not always, but we're speaking very generally here) so its not surprising that men are drawn to younger women. And if the woman in question is a real "head turner" - well, there's nothing that stokes a man's ego better than that. It's not fair....but it is what it is. 😉

5

I had never really considered being with a woman younger than I. Then I met a woman who was that honestly has been the best relationship I've ever been in. Sadly we split for an issue that she had experienced in her life previously. But just a few days ago we decided to give it another try and I'm heading back that way soon. But I must add that she for her age. Is seriously more mature than women I've dated who are my age or older. Maybe a cultural thing or something. But if all goes well and I hope it does. I've found the best person ever for me.

Hope you both fine happiness

@SCbeelady we are working on it. Slow and steady.

5

I never cared for younger women. Seemed like all they wanted to do was party and go to sporting events. I was on a different path.

5

I don't know why men like younger women. I personally like younger men for a few reasons. 1. They are healthy. 2. They aren't caught up with all old prejudice men of my age are.
3. They like to do things. Dance, hike, fish, camping. 4. Better in the sheets.
Now I know this isn't true for every one but it has been my experience.

You know so little of men, but I don't feel bad for your bad choices. They are just... your choices!

I like men who enjoy fishing!

You're comments are truly flattering, especially number 4.

@Gwendolyn2018 I am very naive of what is going on online.I went to NYC yesterday and there was a very agressive behavior toward me by a lady in the small gathering, joke aside, she was serious. I was the only one not drinking and I was available but we are not 16 anymore. Got roudy! Not what I am looking for.

@Gwendolyn2018 for sure, the deceiver that hides that or that don't even care. Women in my life let me know when I get out of line. Daughters, ex wife, sister, ex girlfriend... and also my son, I been very lucky with a good support group. They let me know because they care and want me around for a long time. And I also like myself and that is very important.

@Gwendolyn2018 Exactly

@SCbeelady True words for sure. Goes the other way around the same way.

5

I may not have a popular opinion here but I do think there is a genetically-ingrained Sociobiological imperative that is pretty strong for men who are from 40-60. After that, I'm all WTF are you THINKING? From a purely sex/biology standpoint, men age more slowly than women. From an intellectual/conversational standpoint, not so much. 😉

?

@Gwendolyn2018 Ok here is the deal. Female menopause is a real thing that drops your sex drive hormonally to some extent and decreases the natural lubrication and so forth of your vaginal lining. If you want to keep your vag in working sexual order you need to either insert hormonal creams, rings, or suppositories into it or take oral hormone replacement or utilize sexual lubricants. Men can still function well enough sexually for longer than that in most cases without need to involve the medical profession. They do not need to visit a pharmacy or gynecologist in most cases while they are still in their 50's to function like they were still in their 30's. Your mileage may differ, but I assure you for most women, they need a bit of help. Men later, yes, but not in their 50's.

@seaspot_run I'd like to see evidence supporting that statement. It's not my experience. I mean that you can't be in working sexual order without involving the medical profession. I don't believe it. If anything it's men with that problem with that little blue pill.

Ok, I won't argue with those of you who feel men are less able, but it's not been my personal experience. That's not data, it's just anecdote, obviously.

4

No need these days But back when we lived in caves younger women produce more offspring . Some men haven't evolved yet

4

Me personally, I like men who aren't set in their ways and are young at heart. Could be younger or older than me. But that sounds horribly cliched. And I feel exactly the same way about female friends. Basically just saying the sort of person I'd want to invest a lot of time and energy developing a relationship with.

4

I typically date older women honestly.

4

Well most men assume that other men will assume, that a younger woman is attracted to him based on penis size and performance. It really turns out to be the size of his wallet as older men are more successful then their younger counter parts. Six months later he is crying a rivet because he feels no responsibility for his actions nor lack of thought process.

@mudhen And what do you have to say for A woman who doesn't care about kids and makes the same/more money than the guy?

@DUCHESSA I see no gender when it comes to bad parenting nor good parenting. The court system could benefit children much better if they were blind to parental gender in custody battles.

@DUCHESSA, @jorj I probably should have said sexual performance not size. Certainly a younger woman with a much older man indicates ( falsely so in some cases) that men can keep up in bed. If that were the case Viagra would be prescribed. Yes, other men do praise sexual performance of their elder peers.

@iamkratom i am not talking good / bad parenting but about women no wanting kids.

@Iamkratom BRW, Viagra is the most sold drug ever....and not only to older men....

4

So as a 68 year old male what happens to me? I guess the choices will be an 80 year old woman or celibacy. Hmmm.. 80 it is!

Another 68 year old female

@Iamkratom I thought the 68 year old women would be with 58 year old men?

@tymtravler She would probably be living a happy life with 58 cats.

3

I got nothing to prove, I want a woman my age, I don't want a nurse, I want an old soul wth plenty to live for.

3

It's possibly an ego thing. Having said that, i surround myself with younger people generally. Perhaps it keeps me feeling young and vibrant. Many of my generation get into 'old mode' ( dress sense, ideas, thinking).

I've never really paid much attention to someone's age.....when I was around 27 or so, I became best friends with a woman who was in her mid 60's. We had a lot of fun doing stuff together....over the years, I've made friends with people much younger - and much older than I am. Lets face it....if you're an interesting, vibrant 20 yr old with a great personality, you will likely be the same way when you're 70. My husband is 18 years younger than I am....the people who know us well have said that somebody mixed up the birth certificates because they think he acts my age and vice versa....hahahaha.

3

To each his/her own I say.

3

Different strokes & all that I guess. Men my age/older than me don't seem to be interested in me, which is fine. We get along well as coworkers & platonic friends. Men who are 10+ years younger than me have shown interest & have pursued me romantically. I'm fine with that too.

I think ... I know I'd disagree about older men not wanting to date you... Unless in fact you don't wish to date older men. Personally I like women that are intelligent, independent, strong in their convictions, and quite frankly comfortable in their own skin. I however do not seem to get along with women who pretend they're cool cause at the age of 50 plus I still act and play like a 20 something. But that's me ... age really is relative. I know younger woman that are more mature ( and that's a good thing) than some older women trying to relive their youth. Again that's me ... of course I'm now at the age that and intelligent conversation is a very sexy thing!

@Mistral i've dated men my age who turn around & break things off for reasons like "you don't have enough time for me" because I don't want to be out till 2am during the work week, "you arent spontaneous enough" because I have responsibilities that need to be arranged for, "you are too rigid" because I don't drink (say so up front) & don't enjoy being with someone stumbling drunk, little alone pawed by one., and, my fave, "you are way too opinionated", because I actually have well thought out, considered, & researched opinions from credible sites. I make sure everyone knows plenty up front. I try to make sure there are no surprises. But on a nice fall day, I'd rather be hiking or camping than sitting at buffalo wild wings watching football, unable to hear any conversation that isn't yelled at me.

3

Actually, I prefer women in my own age range

3

Your perspective focuses on a single dimension: relative age. I suggest that there may well be other secondary, and maybe even primary, drivers in any given relationship, regardless of the age differential. Something to consider.

2

As a man who does prefer younger women, here's my 100% honest take on it:

Reason 1) Younger people are generally more attractive and, to quote Adam Duritz "we all want something beautiful." Now, of course that's a broad generalization and older women are often beautiful, too.

Reason 2) My greatest fear in life is the death of my significant other. Younger people tend to have more life ahead of them. Again, a generalization, but I figure it's realistic to assume that someone who's younger will be less likely to suddenly die (accidents obviously being the exception).

Reason 3) Maybe it's weird that I'm almost 40 and I still don't know for certain, but the honest confession is that I'm not sure if I want kids or not. Really, I've never dated someone that made me feel certain that I wanted to have kids with them. I have dated a couple women that I absolutely knew that I didn't want to have kids with them. When I'm dating, I'm primarily interested in dating women in their 30's and late 20's because most women in their 40's and older have either had kids and don't want more or don't want kids at all?

So, overall, I guess it's basically just vanity?

Thanks

@Stephanie99 I hope this was helpful. When I was in my 20s and early 30s, roughly half of my girlfriends were older but, as I age, younger women become more attractive for the reasons I listed. I'd still greatly prefer to find someone around my age, but if lighting strikes...

@Faithless1 Honestly, that's a little weird to me, too. My youngest girlfriend was 12 years younger than me, but it was still a 22-year-old dating a 34-year-old. Even then, the maturity differences were really staggering after a couple years (though a lot of that was also differences in our personalities).

Just for kicks, here's another oddball relationship for you - my uncle (though I usually don't claim him lol) is 63, is married to a woman who's 42, and they just had twins a few months ago

@Faithless1 She's actually Russian. Seriously. She's his third "mail order bride" from Russia. The first one left him to go back to Russia after living with him a few weeks. The second stuck around long enough to get a work permit or something and then took off with another guy

@Faithless1 So here's something else weird about it - that uncle and aunt divorced back in the 80's, long before any of the mail order bride shenanigans. They had one son together before the divorce, who's one of my best friends. Well, the aunt remarried in the late 80's and had two kids. One of them, who has never had any contact with my uncle, married a gal from the Ukraine a couple years ago

2

Why do you think it's all men ? And what about women ? I tend to date younger myself - just how things work out ...
And as long as minds meet, and all parties are of consenting age - who cares ?

Brings to mind a comment made by Clint Eastwood, when asked about his then, much younger wife, and what he thought about their big age gap ? He replied, " if she dies, she dies "

@Faithless1 good for you !

2

It really depends on the moment or the phase in one's life. When I was in my late teens and early twenties I likes mature women in their early to mid-thirties. Now I am 63 and I sitll like them.
Several years ago I had two female visitors, both menopausal women. One was about 48 and Japanese and the other about 53 and Taiwanese.
Somehow the conversation deviated into the rapids of precisely the question of preferred age range by men . The Taiwanese said: "I cannot understand why men prefer younger women ..." To which the Japanese very calmly replied: "L. fresh fruit - dried fruit ... Which ones do you prefer?"
I was very amused by this conversation and immediately thought od dried prunes so popular as laxatives.
Sometimes later when I had the rare opportunity to take look into the Taiwanese lady's vagina, I almost felt compelled to raise the issue.
If sex is not an issue, age really doesn't matter.

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