New research in Personal Relationships explores how age gaps in romantic relationships evolve as people enter partnerships at different life stages. Analyzing data from nearly 36,000 individuals across 29 countries, the study found that men tend to form relationships with increasingly younger partners as they age, while women gradually shift towards same-age partners after 60.
Led by Jaroslav Gottfried at University College Dublin, the research used data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), focusing on individuals over 50 in long-term relationships. The study revealed that younger men typically date women about three years younger, but this gap widens with age. By contrast, women generally prefer slightly older men when younger but later opt for partners of similar age, possibly due to shifting priorities and dating market dynamics.
The findings align with both evolutionary and sociocultural theories. While men’s preference for younger partners has traditionally been linked to reproductive motives, older men may also seek younger partners for social status. Women, on the other hand, may prioritize companionship and shared life experiences over traditional norms.
The study also highlights the role of gender imbalances in the dating pool. Since women tend to outlive men, older women may have fewer options for older partners, leading to increased openness toward younger men. However, cultural and socioeconomic factors were not fully explored, leaving room for future research.
Despite its insights, the study is limited by its focus on actual relationships rather than ideal partner preferences. Future research could further examine how factors like socioeconomic status influence partner choice in later life.
Source: https://www.psypost.org/romantic-age-gaps-evolve-over-time-new-psychology-research-shows/