What do over-40 female celebrities such as Demi Moore and famous TV characters such as Samantha on "Sex and the City" and Gabrielle on "Desperate Housewives" have in common? They're well-known for dating much younger men. They also represent a larger societal trend of women over 40 dating men 10 or more years younger. According to a poll conducted by the American Association of Retired People (AARP), about one-third of women between ages 40 and 69 are dating men more than 10 years their junior. The survey reports that one-sixth of women in their 50s prefer men 10 years younger.
Although the May-December romance is often attributed to the stamina of the younger man, experts don't think this is the most important reason for the relationship. Experts believe that reasons for this trend include:
1. Older women enjoy the adventure and spontaneity of younger men.
2. Younger men enjoy the success and experience of older women.
3. Older women are remaining attractive and aging well due to a lifelong commitment to health and fitness.
4. Women are often available because they live longer than their spouses or are divorced.
5. Established older women are looking for fun and companionship with younger men, rather than financial security.
6. Successful older women are interested in younger men who support her career or are willing to remain at home to take care of children.
Experts also debunk some common myths about older women/younger men relationships, including the older woman commonly seduces the younger man, the younger man leaves her for a younger woman, and May-December romances are often short-term. Experts have found that these scenarios rarely occurred.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on January 12, 2007 04:14 PM
