Are you wondering why older women date younger men? Perhaps older women and younger men don’t match well in your view of the world? Does the idea of a “cougar” confuse you? This guide is here to answer all your questions.
Depending on whom you ask, the term "cougar" is either offensive or incredibly empowering. For many women in their 30s, 40s, and beyond, being a cougar means fighting back against an age-old double standard that says it's okay for older men to date younger women.
Today, modern women are turning the tables by embracing their attraction to younger men. If you're a guy who enjoys dating a mature, confident woman, this female empowerment is something to celebrate.
The Top 10 Reasons Why Older Women Date Younger Men
There are many reasons why older women date younger men. While some are obvious, others might surprise you. Here are 10 reasons why mature ladies enjoy mixing it up with younger fellas.
1. Wonder why older women date younger men? It’s science!
According to a study summarized by Time, women are more sexually active in their 40s than they are in their 20s. Not only that, but women in middle age also tend to have more sexual fantasies compared to their younger counterparts. As Time puts it, "it is women in their middle years who are America's most sexually industrious."
That's quite a compliment.
So why do women in the so-called "cougar" demographic have more sex and report enjoying sex more compared to younger ladies? Researchers believe sexual desire increases in women once they reach the end of their peak fertility years.
It's no secret that fertility declines as a woman ages. While it's possible for women in their 40s and sometimes even their early 50s to get pregnant, it’s not as easy compared to when a woman is in her late teens and early 20s.
It might take more attempts for an older woman to get pregnant. In response, a woman's body tends to ramp up her sex drive. This urges her to have more sex to increase her chances of conceiving. This biological response can drive women to naturally seek out younger partners who are more likely to be fertile.
2. Younger man = less commitment
In some cases, older women like younger men because they're looking for someone who wants a casual relationship rather than a firm commitment.
There can be a number of reasons for this. For example, maybe an older woman is coming off a divorce. Maybe she isn't looking to jump back into a serious relationship. Whereas a man her own age might want to settle down, a younger man might be content to keep things fun and noncommittal.
The Most Recommended Dating Apps to Meet Older Women
Most older women are meeting guys online now, many ONLY look online. There are a few dating apps that have been working the best for regular guys that want to meet older women. Tries these first and get the results you deserve:
| Site | Our Experience | Our Rating | Free Trial Link |
|---|---|---|---|
Best For Relationships  | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try eHarmony |
Best For Casual Fun  | Experience Highlights
| 9 | Try AFF For Free |
Decent For Younger Guys  | Cougar Life Highlights
| 8 | Try Cougar Life |
3. Why Do Older Women Like Younger Men? The excitement!
In most cases, younger people have more energy. The younger demographic also tends to be open to new experiences, and they're more likely to seek out adventure compared to their older peers.
For an older woman looking for romance, dating a younger man can open new doors and introduce some much-needed spontaneity. While there are definitely older men who can provide this, the reality is that younger men are usually more willing to take risks, try new things, and go exploring.
If you're looking to find single older women try some of the more exciting places to pick up cougars that work. It's a lot easier to have a fun time if you're already in a fun place!
4. Older women like younger men because they look good
While men might have a reputation for being more superficial than women, the ladies aren't averse to appreciating the beauty of the male form.
If an older woman takes care of herself and stays physically fit, she probably wants a romantic partner who does the same. This might explain why older women often turn to younger men. They're attracted to men who value good health and an active lifestyle—something an older man might not always offer.
5. Female empowerment
As the saying goes, "the future is female." Today's women are enjoying themselves and living their best lives well into middle age and beyond. While their grandmothers might have let their hair go gray at 40, modern women don't feel as pressured to assume the role of "matron" or spend their 40s and 50s baking or knitting. That is unless they enjoy those things, and if they do they should embrace them wholeheartedly.
Part of female empowerment means that older women don't feel like age should hold them back from pursuing a relationship. Whereas men have enjoyed May-December romances for centuries, women have traditionally been pressured to seek out relationships with men their own age.
That societal pressure has eroded, which means modern women are free to be with whomever they choose regardless of any age difference.
6. She makes her own money (a.k.a. she doesn't need his)
In previous generations, women were more dependent on a man to be a breadwinner. Today, however, the workplace has opened up to women, giving them more opportunities to pursue a successful and satisfying career.
As a result, many mature women are self-supporting and financially comfortable. They can pursue a man because they like his looks or his personality, and they don't need to feel an ounce of shame about it.
This can actually be a welcome role reversal for a younger man who might find it sexy that an older woman is confident about taking charge and even spoiling him. It can also be a huge turn-on to know a woman is with you because she wants to be and not because she needs to be.
7. Older women who like younger men enjoy being in control
In some cases, older women like younger men because they enjoy holding the reins. Or maybe even the whip if they're into that sort of thing.
For an older woman, dating a younger man can make them feel like they're in control and not the other way around. This can even be a psychological boost if a woman experienced a controlling or manipulative relationship in the past.
If a woman spent her younger years in an unhappy marriage where she was belittled or made to feel like the less valuable partner, dating a younger man can offer healing as well as help her regain her confidence.
8. Why do older women like younger guys? Less pressure to settle down
Not everyone is looking for an engagement ring or a house in the suburbs. In fact, many older women have "been there done that" and have no desire to do it again.
Instead, they're looking for fun and romance, and they don't necessarily want any strings attached. By dating a younger man, they can feel free to simply enjoy their partner without worrying about meeting his parents or planning a long-term future together.
Of course, this doesn't mean things can't get serious. However, dating a younger man can give an older woman more time to celebrate dating life at a more relaxed pace.
9. The fun of playing Mrs. Robinson
Most older women are going to have a great deal more life experience under their belts compared to younger men. In many cases, this can make for a sexy matchup.
Just as Anne Bancroft's character seduced the much younger Dustin Hoffman in the film The Graduate, an older woman can feel incredibly sexy when she pits her life experience against that of a younger man.
What's more, younger men can enjoy this juxtaposition, too. In many cases, a younger man is more than willing to play pupil to an older woman's teacher.
10. Older women like younger men because they fall in love
In some cases, older women aren't necessarily looking to date a younger man. Instead, they meet someone and fall in love and age has nothing to do with it.
For these couples, an age gap is meaningless. They love each other, and the difference in their ages isn't a big factor at all. For example, actor Nick Offerman is 49, while his wife Megan Mullally is 61. Anyone looking at the hilarious power couple probably won't even notice their 12-year age gap. It's just obvious they're in love and simply enjoy being with each other.
There are plenty of reasons why older women hesitate to date younger guys. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t date a sultry and sophisticated older woman.
The reality is more and more women are dating guys younger than them. And why shouldn’t they? Older men have been dating younger women for decades. Women are exercising their right to date whoever they want, regardless of age.
However, if you want to be one of the guys who is helping women to buck the trend, you'll need to help them overcome their concerns. Oftentimes, these concerns stem from what society conditions a woman to believe. And that's why it can be tough to have them change their minds.
Nevertheless, by acting in a manner that alleviates these concerns or addressing them before you spell them out to you, it's possible to win an older woman over and enjoy all the added benefits of this non-traditional relationship.
In this guide, I'll explain seven reasons why older women hesitate to date younger guys and how you can push past these roadblocks.
Reasons Older Women Hesitate To Date Younger Guys
Many of the reasons holding them back are due to outdated stereotypes. The fears they face rarely have to do with the age gap itself. They're often assumptions rooted in relationship dynamics that can happen between any two people. Here are 7 reasons older women hesitate to date younger guys and some advice on how to beat them.
They want a partner, not a son
One of the biggest fears holding older women back is the “mommy complex.”
Even if she's older than you, most women are looking for a man who can be the leader in a relationship. This is a masculine quality and a must-have for any feminine woman searching for a partner. One of the ways older women show younger men they are interested is by checking to see if you have that mommy complex.
It's vital that you start to demonstrate this from the moment you meet. It doesn't matter if it was while you were both drunk at a bar or any of our other favorite spots for picking up single MILFs.
You can show leadership skills by taking responsibility for organizing dates, taking care of any emotional problems she is facing and generally being able to stand up and take charge in any situation.
Whether she has kids or not, she’s not looking for someone to parent. Older women want to know they can have a healthy relationship. So dating someone younger might give them pause. After all, the stereotype of younger guys is that they're emotionally immature and not "man enough" to handle a relationship with a fully-grown woman. It's your job to show her otherwise. She might give advice, pay for things or guide their younger partner through tough situations. Through a certain lens, that can appear as if she's “caring for” him.
You can avoid any resentment by asserting your independence whenever possible. If you can’t pay for things, make it up in other ways. If you want advice, show your gratitude by following it and growing as a person. Help her in ways that only you can. By demonstrating your unique value, you’ll remain equals, and she won’t feel like she’s playing mother to you.
A common reason women hesitate to date younger guys? They fear ostracism
Let’s call out the elephant on the page. Older women who date younger guys are called cougars for a reason. And it’s not just because they’re sleek, sexy and intelligent. Many men like older women because for them, it's sexy. But older women dating younger men? There's a stigma.
The persisting stereotype suggests that older women are preying on young, defenseless guys, which is ridiculous. But stereotypes take a while to fade whether they’re senseless or not. One study showed social stigma still has an adverse effect on how older women feel in these relationships.
The sad truth is: some women are so worried about what other people think of them that they will never try anything outside of the norm, even if it makes them really happy.
This is especially common when it comes to their dating choices. A lot of women will refuse to date a younger guy, even if he treats her incredibly and ticks all of her boxes because they're so worried about being judged.
In this situation, all you can really do is behave in a way that negates all of the negative stereotypes surrounding relationships with younger men. Be so awesome that she's willing to go through the occasional snide remark in order to be with you.
You can ease her anxiety further by making sure the people in your life don’t perpetuate the stereotypes. Educate them to ensure they treat your older lady with the respect she (and you) deserve. Stand up for your relationship and remind those around you how normal you are. You can either ignore them or display your unrelenting awesomeness.
For guys just learning how to find and meet cougars and older women there are places that make it easier. These are spots where you can start talking to older women more organically without a lot of pressure on either of you.
From there, you must simply hope that she's strong enough to think for herself and do what makes her happy.
They want commitment, something a lot of young men can’t give
Many older women are looking for a long-term relationship. They might worry that a younger guy isn’t ready for that kind of commitment yet. They may assume he’s still in his “player” phase or wants to see what it’s like to hook up with an older woman. It doesn’t often cross their mind that a guy five or ten years their junior is willing to commit. Science says otherwise. Relationships between older women and younger guys last for an average of at least two years.
You can solve these worries through actions that prove she's special to you. Put her before other people. Talk about deep emotional topics. Introduce her to your friends and family. Meet her loved ones. Make plans for the future. Let her know why you want her over anyone else.
Remind her that men of any age can be commitment-phobic. So why can’t a younger guy be pro-commitment? Show her you’re ready to commit. Put time into the relationship and make efforts to work on the areas that need improvement. Those are the things she’ll see as steps towards a healthy, long-term future.
Women with lower self-esteem might be especially reluctant to believe that you're willing to settle for them. However, if you're consistent with actions that show you're ready to be faithful to her, she should eventually accept that your intentions are pure.
Not all older women are hesitant to date younger men—give Cougar Life a shot
Perhaps you’re beginning to see why it can be hard to find cougars looking for younger men. The proportion of women actively looking to ignore all these common hesitations and engage in relationships like this is low. It’s unlikely that a man looking for this type of relationship will regularly bump into tons of women with similar desires on the street.
Your only real shot at getting what you want is to be proactive about finding cougars. You can maximize your chances by putting yourself where they already are.
Cougar Life is that spot where older women flock to look for guys just like you.
Each year we rank and review over 100 different dating sites to put together our list of the best websites to meet a single cougar. There are a lot of sites out there that won't do much for you. So you need to be sure to spend your time on a site proven to give you results.
From our experience, Cougar Life has a pretty big user base of older women. This means you’ll likely meet at least a handful of ones you’ll like in your city. So if you want to date an older woman, Cougar Life can help you out.
They want to connect
It’s no secret that older women love to date younger guys because the romance is explosive. But like many things, rewards come with a trade-off. Many older women are afraid younger guys won’t find them sexy. They might throw half of their income into beauty products and gym memberships. And after all that, they may still convince themselves that a younger guy will leave them for a 20-year old. But it’s even more complicated.
After all her careful dieting, exercising, and face lifting, she watches her partner toss three hamburgers back and laugh it off. Experiences like this can create a chasm of empathy. She may not feel like she can talk about her insecurities with him.
What can you do about this? Be present with her.
Show her you understand. Be a man of your word in all areas of life. Listen and take her seriously whenever she does share her emotions with you. Don't laugh off her fears as if they're not important. And don't hesitate to share your insecurities with her too.
You can’t age at her rate. But you can be there beside her every step of the way until you’re both so old it doesn’t matter.
Connection is about trust, so it's important you make your lover feel like she can tell you anything without judgment. Of course, you should let her know that you find her physically attractive. But also make it clear what parts of her personality you adore. After all, these are the truly important factors that won't fade as time goes on.
This type of deep connection may take time to build, but it's key to building a strong, trusting and lasting relationship.
They want it to be easy(ish)
Many women go their whole lives feeling scared to approach the man that they're attracted to. While they're young and attractive, it's unlikely that they'll ever have to.
Still, they have to deal with the possibility of being slut-shamed. They have to screen guys to make sure it's safe to be alone with them. They have to deal with players pretending not to be players and losers pretending not to be losers. Then, they must somehow find a way to live happily ever after within the time limit presented by their biological clock. It's an absolute minefield for the fairer sex.
Dating as an older woman is even harder because the pool of eligible bachelors is limited. Take that pool of bachelors and cut it down to a specific age range. Now you’re looking at an even more limited group of guys. That’s one barrier in itself.
Add to that the confusion of where to meet younger guys. They don’t know where to look, how to approach guys they’re interested in or what to say to represent themselves. The good news is, there are several great sites for older women looking to date younger guys.
Don’t wait for her to make a move because there's every chance that she won't, even if she wants to. Younger men might like older women because these women are more forward, but it's not always the case. You're potentially doing yourself and her a life-changing favor by creating an opportunity for romance to blossom. So grow some balls and make it happen. Worst case scenario, she’ll say no and you’re back where you started. Try, try again.
A common reason older women hesitate to date younger guys is that these women want experience
Generally speaking, older women have more experience. They have established careers. They’re well-educated and well-traveled. And they have had practice with different kinds of relationships. From all this, they’ve learned lessons and gained wisdom. Great news for you, as science has shown younger guys love this quality in older women.
But for older women, it can cause some anxiety. Are they going to end up with a guy who can’t launder his clothes or cook a decent meal? Will he be able to maintain a job or take her out once in a while? Can he handle conflict or will he run at the first sign of trouble?
You can ease her nerves. If you have more experience than your peers, prove that to her early. Maybe you’re savvy with finances, and you can help her manage her investments. Perhaps you spent time traveling the world while your peers were playing beer pong. Make these facts known early on.
If you don’t have much experience, that’s okay too. Be sure to let her know you’re open-minded and eager to learn. Be independent and willing to hold your own. In the absence of experience, the next best thing you can offer is a keen eye for knowledge.
Older women date younger men because they want boundaries
Most older women have learned how essential boundaries are. It’s something older women need and learn through relationship experience. So many older women worry younger guys might not know how to establish boundaries. And some of the concerns are well-founded.
Younger guys have a reputation for staying up and partying well into the twilight hours. Some of them are a little excessive. They may worry their partner’s going to bang their door down at 3 a.m., waking their kids so they can play video games. Either way, you deserve a chance to prove yourself.
Just as older women don’t want to be stereotyped as “cougars,” they shouldn’t stereotype younger guys as “cubs.” Make an effort to establish firm boundaries early in the relationship. They're especially important if she has kids or a strict work schedule. They also give you a chance to show that you respect her autonomy.
Why Am I Attracted To Older Women?
Although men who like older women might not be in the majority, there are plenty of them.
But maybe you haven’t seen a lot of younger men dating older women. And, you might therefore still be asking yourself: “Why am I attracted to older women?”
Perhaps this is something you’re confused about and would like to understand.
So, here are some of the most common reasons why men find themselves pursuing older women.
Older women are more confident
Confidence is one of the most desirable traits that both men and women want in a partner - and a lot of older women tend to have it in abundance. Whereas as younger girls tend to be hung up on their insecurities, an older woman has learned to accept herself for who she is.
This applies to the bedroom too. She knows what she wants and she knows how to get it. Perhaps she’ll be able to teach you a thing or two between the sheets too.
Older women are more decisive
The defining quality of the typical 20-something girl is indecisiveness. A lot of them have no idea what they want to do with their lives, beyond the next round of shots. It can prove frustrating for an ambitious guy.
Thankfully, this lack of direction fades as a woman gets older. In fact, you may notice that older women have laser-like focus on what they want to achieve in their later years.
They may also have the wisdom to give you useful advice as you continue along the path to your dream life.
Older women present less drama
A lot of guys have no time for the immaturity that younger women bring to relationships. It might be cute when things are going well, but it can also result in stupid and petty arguments based on needless drama.
Older women are past pointless drama. They’re better at brushing off meaningless drama and focusing on the important things in life.
Instead of the constant ups and downs of dating a 21-year-old, perhaps you’ll prefer a “good vibes only” relationship with a mature woman.
Older women can be more intelligent and interesting
With more years on the clock comes more interesting experiences to share, and hopefully more intelligence in general.
A lot of younger guys find they never get bored around older partners because they’re more intelligent and interesting to be around than the social media and celebrity-obsessed 20-somethings in their hometown.
Older women won’t pressure you into getting married or having children
A lot of younger women feel like they’re in a race against time to get married and have children with the man of their dreams. This is because it typically becomes significantly more difficult for a woman to get pregnant in her thirties.
But, older women have been there, done that! (or they never wanted it in the first place).
Either way, you won’t find yourself being pressured to get married or have children when you’re dating an older woman. Instead, you can focus solely on having a good time together.
Older women are more independent
Many younger women are looking for a man to lead them through life. They might even be hoping their boyfriend can fund a lavish lifestyle for them.
Older women tend to be more independent. They have their own ideas for what they want to do on dates and with their lives.
What’s more, they typically have plenty of their own money to spend. Some even like the idea of being a “sugar mommy” and spoiling their younger boyfriend.
A perfect choice if you’re not earning so much money yourself, then.
You can ease many of the fears older women experience with healthy communication. It’s up to guys like you to strip the existing narrative of its power and replace it with a new, thriving one. All it takes is perceptive listening, genuine consideration for her needs and a desire to build a healthy, loving relationship.
