1. THEY ARE MORE CONFIDENT: Older guys know who they are. They’ve gotten over youthful insecurities and are more likely to exude that easy comfort that creates a fun atmosphere and boosts the confidence of those around them, including the women they date. A study found younger women to have a high interest in older men because of their higher level of maturity.
2. THEY TEND TO BE MORE ESTABLISHED: An older man is way more likely than a young guy to have a condo or house, a car, maybe even a vacation home and boat. He’s spent years establishing himself and surrounding himself with nice things—which a woman who he dates can enjoy along with him. A study found that even financially independent women preferred older men in part because they had more time to accumulate wealth.
3. THEY ARE MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE: Whether they’re avid readers, casual TV viewers, or simply experienced in the game of life, older guys have had more time to soak up knowledge and are happy to share it. Going out with an older man, a woman’s going to learn something new—a good joke, how to order a great cocktail, or some weird fact they didn’t know.
4. THEY ARE BETTER AT COMMUNICATION: Some guys are naturally great communicators, but the rest of us have to learn the art of listening and connecting through experience. And older men are the most experienced when it comes to carrying on meaningful, memorable conversations whether flirting at the bar, on dates, or in a long-term relationship.
5. THEY HAVE A BETTER SENSE OF STYLE: A woman doesn’t need to teach an older guy how to tie a bow tie or help him figure out his suit-jacket size. He knows his style basics, and what clothes best work with his look. He’s got his favorite clothing stores and probably a favorite tailor or two who customizes his wardrobe the way he likes it. Cultivating all this takes time and experience few young men have.
6. THEY HAVE LESS BAD HABITS: It’s not unusual for guys in their 20s and 30s to still be working through a smoking habit, having trouble cutting the extra sweets out of their diets, or catching themselves gawking at beautiful women on the street. But by the time men get a bit older, they’re more likely to have gotten a handle on their bad habits, whether because they’ve seen the negative long-term impact they have or have simply matured a bit.
7. THEY ARE MORE CONNECTED: An older guy won’t have you waiting in line outside the hot new club. He’s learned that you don’t show up to a party without making sure your names are on the list and knows who to call to get access to the VIP section. Over the years, he’s made friends in the right places and knows when to call in a favor. These are things only experience teaches, and that’s what an older man has in spades.