If you’re curious about whether intergenerational relationships really work, you’re in the right spot.
Below, we’ll look at some of the benefits of romantic relationships between different generations.
Then, we’ll go over some of the factors that play a role in determining whether or not they work out.
By the end, you’ll have enough information to help you decide if it’s something you want to try.
Table of Contents
3 Benefits of Engaging with Different Generations
Let’s start by looking at some of the benefits of seniors, especially those finding love in your 60s, cultivating relationships with younger adults.
These pros apply to intergenerational relationships in general, including friendship and familial bonds. We’ll look at romantic relationships in more detail in a moment.
#1 Renewed Vigor
There is renewed vigor when you watch young children play or young adults grow up around you, so it makes sense that you’d feel even more invigorated when you actively engage with younger generations.
#2 Shared Experiences
With age comes wisdom and greater life experience. You can share your life experiences through healthy intergenerational interaction to help young people make better decisions.
#3 There’s a Lot to Learn
Just because you’re much older than the people you are in a relationship with doesn’t mean you can’t learn from them.
Younger generations have very different experiences than seniors simply because they were raised in different times.
Intergenerational Love Relationships
Intergenerational love has become quite common. However, there are always those who are ready to point a judgmental finger upon seeing an older man with a younger woman or an older woman with a younger man.
The sad fact is, you’ll have to deal with some of that judgement from your own circle. If you know what to expect ahead of time, though, it’s easier to cope with whatever comes your way.
Older Male / Younger Female Relationships
For some reason, people seem to take well to an older man dating a younger woman, so you’re less likely to face judgement or raise eyebrows in this type of intergenerational love relationship.
That is not to say that there aren’t those who won’t have something nasty to say.
Too many people believe that the only reasons a younger woman would consider dating an older gentleman are for money and status.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. A genuine younger woman who is willing to date an older man is attracted to the maturity and responsibility of such a man.
Ideally, an older man will already have chartered their life course and craves commitment compared to younger men.
Older Female / Younger Male
There is a lot of stigma surrounding older women/young men relationships. Yet, according to research, a third of women who are between 40 to 70 prefer dating much younger men.
Sexual compatibility is one reason such senior relationships work. Ideally, women reach their sexual peak when they are 30 or 40, while men do so in their 20s.
Put the two together and you have a strong sexually compatible couple.
Economically, a relationship between an older woman and a younger man will run smoothly, too.
In recent years, women have become more economically empowered and young men are no longer threatened by women who make more money than them.
A young man would therefore be with an older woman who is mature enough and more economically empowered than a young woman who is still figuring life out.
While prejudices regarding such relationships are not likely to go away, there is no reason why you should feel bad for choosing the intergenerational approach.
Check out this quick video recap.
How to Get Rid of Stereotypes in This Kind of Relationship
As we saw above, intergenerational couples still face judgement and prejudice even in today’s world. So, how do you deal with all the stereotypes associated with age-gap relationships?
1. Be Yourself
In a world where finding a genuine person to share your life with is proving hard, the least you can do is being true to yourself.
If you are an older man or woman in a relationship with a younger person, just own it!
2. Be Clear About What You Want
Are you in that relationship for the long haul or are you just looking for someone to have fun with?
When you are clear about this, you will be in a better place to deal with the stereotypes that might follow you.
3. Nurture the Connection
If you are in an age-gap relationship, you are probably going to be judged for that especially if you are a woman dating a younger man.
The last thing you need is to allow these stereotypes to ruin what you have built. Rather, learn to nurture the connection you have because that doesn’t come easy.
Do you want to know why we need intergenerational relationships? Check the video below:
Can This Kind of Relationship Succeed in The Long Run?
Look at George and Amal Clooney, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union.
These are just some of the celebrities who prove that intergenerational relationships can work if you put in the work and ignore the stereotypes.
If a relationship with a younger person is going to work, however, there are a few things you need to be realistic about.
1. You Are on Different Maturity Levels
While age doesn’t always influence maturity (we’ve all seen at least one 74-year-old man act like a toddler, right?), it does play a role.
If you are thinking about committing to a younger person, you need first to consider whether they are on the same maturity level as you and can take full accountability for their actions.
That goes for whether you’re an older man dating a young woman or vice-versa.
2. You Are at Different Stages in Life
Obviously, you were born in different generations and sometimes your age gap may be as much as a decade or more.
As such, there will always be a dynamic difference between your interactions and those of someone your own age.
To determine if such a relationship would work for you, think about how you would feel socializing with their friends.
If the idea doesn’t appeal to you, then it’s a sign that you are not ready for such a relationship.
3. Even Young People Have Baggage
Everyone- including that young man or woman you are trying to commit to- has some baggage.
The worst thing you can do is assume that you are starting a relationship with them on a clean slate with zero baggage.
When you are true to yourself about this, you can then determine if you are ready to accept them and whatever they are bringing to the relationship.
4. Commitment Could Mean Something Different to the Two of You
You were born in different eras and may have different ideas of what constitutes “commitment.”
For example, to you it could mean marriage, while to a younger person it simply means “not dating anyone else.”
So, you need to accept that there is a possibility that you could be at different stages of dating and be clear about that which each other.
Related: Speed Dating For Seniors: What Should You Know Beforehand
Conclusion
There are more and more young people engaging with aging elders for friendships and even serious relationships.
Stereotypes still exist about intergenerational relationships, but how you handle them will determine whether your relationship succeeds or fails.
If you are a senior adult in a relationship with a younger person or are considering getting into one, you need to keep in mind that you will face a lot of criticism.
However, as long as you are both clear about what you want and understand that there will always be that age-gap baggage hanging over your heads, there is no reason why your relationship shouldn’t work.
I believe as long as you live some, you can make the relationship work. Regardless of if your partner is older or younger then you. This is all really good advice though! Thanks so much for sharing! I’ll definitely keep them in mind!
As long as the relationship is safe and consenting, I don’t see a problem. It’s not something I would personally be comfortable doing, but it’s none of my business if that’s what someone else wants.
Maturity levels can really come into play with the age gap. Although some people are mature well past their years so it can work.
I do think it is sad the way some people judge others’ relationships. Love is love and it comes in many guises. We should just be grateful when we find love and not judge others. Live and let love!
I think they can work if both people are being genuine. Sadly you have some younger people wanting to be with older folks just for their money.
I don’t think age matters with love. This is good info to know.
I think all relationships can work no matter the age or anything. You just have to work at it.
Obviously age matters to some extent but typically no, I don’t think it matters. It’s all about connection.
I feel like as long as it’s legal, safe, sane and consensual then it’s none of my business. Even if it isn’t my preference!
This is an interesting read though I personally don’t believe in intergenerational relationships or have never tried to date someone way older or younger than me, it is nice to know that it worked very well for other couples. After all, love doesn’t have boundaries whether in age or gender.
Oh my, such an awesome article to read! It’s very informative and very valuable information about the said relationship! This will clear any misconception about this! Love reading this, I’ve learned so much! Thanks!
I think that this can work, but it depends of different factors. In general, I don’t believe in long term intergenerational relationships!
I do believe that a relationship’s success totally depends upon the interaction between the two of you. It has nothing to do with age.
These are wonderful tips; I understand that age doesn’t matter when two people are in love. How they interacted with each other, and have honesty is the best policy
I am single and trying to date. I’m open to dating both older or younger men. However, I tend to gravitate to the younger ones. But I don’t want someone too young bc i have health issues.