What’s the Ideal Age Gap Between Couples Around the World?

Berfin Ceren Meray
Onedio Member
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Age difference in relationships remains a fascinating topic, with people often debating whether love truly knows no age. A comprehensive study of 29 countries and 35,996 couples offers surprising insights into global preferences. From Europe to Israel, the research uncovers how men and women feel about age gaps in their relationships, highlighting some unexpected patterns and preferences. Curious about the results? Let's dive into the eye-opening findings!

Age differences in relationships have always been a hot topic. So, what is the ideal age gap?

A study published in the Personal Relationships journal examined the preferred age differences of men and women when starting a new romantic relationship. Led by Jaroslav Gottfried, the team analyzed data from 35,996 couples from 28 European countries and Israel.

The statistical analyses conducted by the researchers revealed that the preferred age difference when starting a new relationship depends on gender and the current age of the partners.

A 25-year-old man typically forms relationships with women who are about 3 years younger than him, while a 25-year-old woman generally prefers a partner who is about 3 years older.

According to the study, as men age, they tend to prefer larger age gaps when entering a new romantic relationship.

Specifically, with every 5-year increase in age, the preferred age difference increases by about 1 year. This can be summarized as follows:

  • 25-year-old man: Partner age 22 (age difference: 3 years)

  • 30-year-old man: Partner age 26 (age difference: 4 years)

  • 40-year-old man: Partner age 34 (age difference: 6 years)

  • 50-year-old man: Partner age 42 (age difference: 8 years)

  • 60-year-old man: Partner age 50 (age difference: 10 years)

  • 70-year-old man: Partner age 58 (age difference: 12 years)

  • 80-year-old man: Partner age 66 (age difference: 14 years)

For women, a similar but weaker trend was observed after the age of 25.

On average, with every 10-year increase in age, the preferred age difference increases by about 1 year. This can be summarized as:

  • 25-year-old woman: Partner age 28 (age difference: -3 years)

  • 30-year-old woman: Partner age 32.5 (age difference: -2.5 years)

  • 40-year-old woman: Partner age 41.5 (age difference: -1.5 years)

  • 50-year-old woman: Partner age 50.5 (age difference: -0.5 years)

  • 60-year-old woman: Partner age 59.5 (age difference: +0.5 years)

  • 70-year-old woman: Partner age 68.5 (age difference: +1.5 years)

  • 80-year-old woman: Partner age 77.5 (age difference: +2.5 years)

While women initially prefer partners who are a little older, as they age, they increasingly lean toward partners in the same age group.

After the age of 60, there is a slight tendency to prefer slightly younger partners. So, as people get older, they tend to choose younger partners when starting new relationships. This trend applies to both genders, though it is more pronounced in men compared to women. What do you think about this?