Everything You Need To Know About Older Women And Dating

By: Robert Porter

Updated August 10, 2021

Medically Reviewed By: Wendy Boring-Bray, DBH, LPC

Are you an older woman dating a younger man or a younger man dating an older woman? If so, you’re not alone. At first, it was just a few celebrity couples, but then people noticed that it was happening regularly. Older women are dating younger men in greater numbers now. And they’re not just dating them buthaving long-term relationships with them and even marrying them.

Society points all kinds of judgmental fingers, accusing these women of preying on impressionable young men, even labeling them “cougars.” But regardless of what anyone thinks, it’s clear that this is a phenomenon that is here to stay. Approximately34% of women between the ages of 40 and 69 were dating younger men. What are the reasons behind this trend? Is it all about sex, or is there something else going on?

A closer look at the personal stories of older women dating younger men reveals an array of reasons why this arrangement holds so much appeal for both parties. Unsurprisingly, sex is a factor. Most women hit their sexual peak in their thirties and early forties and enjoy the increased stamina (as well as the greater physical attraction) that a younger partner can provide. But this is only a small part of the puzzle. Women over 40 also enjoy having a partner who is free from the emotional baggage associated with divorce and children. Also, younger men were typically raised by strong, career-focused mothers, so they are comfortable with ambition and intelligence in a partner, where older men can find these qualities threatening.

Young Men Like Older Women Too

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This type of love is by no means one-sided. Younger men find that older women have a lot to offer.

Older women are confident, smart, and assertive. They have figured out their needs and know how to express them. These qualities can be a welcome change to younger men because women their age tend to be more insecure and sometimes manipulative. They find that older women have a lot to teach them, not just about the physical aspects of a relationship, but about relationships and life in general. This strength and wisdom can be very appealing. For all these reasons, a man in his 20s or 30s may decide that dating an older woman is just what he needs.

If you’re interested in this type of relationship, then please know that you are not alone. It isn’t unusual at all, but there are many factors to consider. If you are a young man who is interested in dating an older woman, then you have probably already considered the many advantages as well as the potential drawbacks. But what’s really behind the trend? Can these relationships last or are they best as casual and temporary arrangements? And what do you need to know about dating younger men or older women to make it work for you?

Benefits Of Dating Older Women

Yes, it’s true, older women have a lot going for them. If you’re an older woman or thinking of dating one, here are all the things you can look forward to.

• No need to waste time figuring out what she wants. In dating situations, men often find themselves spending many days and hours trying to guess what a woman wants from them. Older women have learned not to waste any time on that. They communicate about their needs directly.
• She can teach her partner a few things. Older women have learned a few things about sex, relationships, and life in general. Her partner will benefit from her knowledge and experience and gain a new perspective.
• She has control over her emotions. An older woman has weathered enough tough times to know that they are only temporary. She won’t let a bad day destroy her emotionally. She has the confidence to know that she can handle anything…because she already has.
• She is independent. A woman at this stage of life is usually secure. She is not looking for a man to provide for her financially. This can relieve her partner of a huge amount of pressure. He can relax and have a good time without going into debt because she can’t pay her share in supporting their lifestyle or activities.
• She can have fun with no strings attached. Often, divorced older women are not looking for anything serious and want to have a good time. This can prove a refreshing change to younger men who get tired of women with an agenda to settle into marriage and family.

Before you take the plunge into a May-December romance though, just be aware of a few potential downfalls.

Challenges of Dating Older Women

No relationship is perfect, and older women do come with their own set of challenges.

• She is at a different stage of her life than you are. She is likely to be occupied with her career and possibly with children. These things will take first place in her life. Also, she may have more financial security than you do, which can be a source of conflict with couples, especially if she wants to go on vacations or out to nice restaurants.
• Family and friends may not approve. There are still all kinds of stigma around dating older women. (We’ll talk more about this later.) Though unfair, sharing your relationship with family and friends may invite negative comments, which can put a strain on your relationships with them.
• She may not want to have children or be able to. An older woman has probably already raised young children and doesn’t want to do it all over again. By the age of 40, her ability to get pregnant is compromised, with menopause starting between the ages of 45 and 50. If you want to have a family someday, this is something to consider.
• She will have different social references. This may be nothing more than a minor annoyance, but over time it may become frustrating that she often refers to movies and TV shows with which you are not familiar.She might also not like the same kind of music as you do. The generational gap can be overcome, but it could be a factor.
• Subtle or Not So Subtle Power Differences. Just as a younger woman dating an older man, power dynamics can be at play. These can stem from differences in income, career, life experience, or how much she is able to provide for you.

If you have decided that this kind of relationship is for you, here are some suggestions.

Tips For Older Women

• Be open to the idea of dating younger men. Don’t go hunting for them, but don’t rule them out as an option. Simply your openness may attract one into your life.
• Exude confidence. This quality, more than any other, will set you apart from the younger crowd.
• Throw away all your preconceived notions of younger men. Be open to the possibilities. In fact, younger men may surprise you with their emotional wisdom and their sexual abilities.
• Enjoy the new experiences that a younger partner will bring. Allow your relationship with a younger man to open you up to things that may be slightly outside your comfort zone, like going to a nightclub or listening to music that he is interested in. Use these new experiences to expand your comfort zone.

Tips For Younger Men

• Don’t Focus On The Age Gap. Sure, it’s great that the two of you hit it off so well in spite of your age difference…but don’t keep dwelling on it. She may find this emphasis on her age to be slightly rude.
• Don’t Rush Her Into Sexual Intimacy. As much as you’re looking forward to it (and she is too!), older women have other priorities. Invest time in the beginning in romancing and getting to know her.
• Communicate Clearly and Assertively. Older women don’t want to waste time playing games. They will respect you more if you state your needs assertively and with confidence.
• Don’t Label Her. Avoid words like “cougar.” She may find such terms offensive. Relax and let the relationship be what it is.

Stigma And Double Standards

By now, you’re convinced that dating an older woman, despite its challenges, is pretty great. But even in today’s enlightened world, society still has all kinds of negative things to say about this powerful pairing, labeling older women dating younger men as sexual predators.

This is especially troubling when you consider that no such stigma exists for older men dating younger women. At worst, older men dating younger women are viewed with a condescending chuckle, earning the term “sugar daddy,” as if they were a benevolent father figure. Younger women dating older men are considered to be sweet and innocent.

The words used to describe older women in this scenario are not nearly as kind. Why does this double standard exist? Why is dating older men perceived as quaint, but dating older women is considered dangerous?

The reasons for this may go back to our perceptions about the value of women. Traditionally, women have been valued directly by their ability to have children. For this reason, women, as they age, are often dismissed as no longer beautiful, while gray hair and wrinkles on men are seen as marks of distinction.

Men have long been valued for their power and their career successes. However, we now live in a time when women can be valued for these attributes too. A new generation of men are aware of that and see older women for the unique qualities they bring to the table. So, don’t be ashamed of your relationship with an older woman or a younger man. It’s not just the new wave of the future. It’s the wave of the here and now.

Online Therapy Can Help

Want To Learn More About Older Women And Dating?

Talk To A Professional. Speak With A Licensed Mental Health Professional Online Now.

If you need help navigating your relationship, seek the guidance of a trained in-person or online therapist. They can help you fine-tune the ways you relate to each other. They’re good at helping couples of all ages to learn how to communicate effectively.

If you’re curious about couples counseling, online couples counseling can be especially effective. In a study, fifteen couples received online couples counseling, and in their post-therapy interviews, eight themes emerged, such as “the idea of ‘distance’” and “satisfaction and comfort.” With regard to distance, couples felt that they had more of a sense of responsibility for the session and so were more invested. For satisfaction and comfort, many couples expressed that videoconferencing was “less threatening due to the lack of the physicality of the therapist.” Online counseling also helped the couples to take the skills they learned and apply them individually.

How BetterHelp Can Support You

If you have any issues that you’d like to work on individually or together, then reach out to the professionalsat BetterHelp. This is a discreet way to receive help, and you’ll be able to get individual or couples counseling from the comfort of home. This gives you a chance to discuss your issues in a safe environment, and it’s convenient for busy professionals. Below you can read some reviews of BetterHelp counselors from people who have been helped with similar issues.

Counselor Reviews

“Mark has been extremely attentive to everything that I disclose. He’s not only provided me support but insight and encouragement to let me know I’m on a good path to self improvement and discovery. Furthermore, Mark has provided me valuable insight on my romantic relationship, specifically with learning more about the relationship dynamics and how to build a stronger, healthier relationship.”

“Absolutely brilliant! He helped me out of a pretty dark place and was nothing but helpful! For men who are looking for a counselor who understands what it is like to be a man in today’s world with a family, with kids and responsibilities, job, etc, I was extremely impressed with his ability to get down to it and understand what I was talking about. He’s great at getting to the root of the issue too. No need to slog through 8,000 words to find out what point he’s trying to make. He has a knack for asking exactly the right question in about 2-3 sentences. If you’re looking for a counselor who isn’t the typical counselor, he’s your guy!”

Conclusion

A relationship between an older woman and a young man can work out beautifully. As long as you’re willing to commit to the relationship, you’ll be able to find the love that you’re seeking. This beautiful partnership could turn into something that will last, and you’ll always have help available to you when you need it.