Why do some men think men get better looking with age?

Question

There is some men out there that seem to think men get better looking with age, well into their 40's. Men peak in their mid 20's (imo) but why do some men think that young women are genuinely attracted to 40+ year old men? Often men will use examples of brad pitt or johnny depp, but aren't those celebrities probably in the top1% of good looking men on the planet? I've never seen a 40-50 year old man look that good in real life. Does the average 40 year old man truly think that he could get 20-25 year old women?

I'm actually really curious and am looking for serious answers to this. I have been wondering for a while, because I am a young woman, and am friends with lots of young women, and we never look at older men IRL. The only "old" men we like the look of are celebrities.

So how popular is this attitude or belief among men?

kheserthorpe · Accepted Answer

Does the average 40 year old man think he could get 20-25 year old women? Yes, probably.

I get hit on by more 20-25 year old women at 38 then I did when I was 25. I am under no illusion that I am attractive to most women of any age, but certainly -some- young women seem to like me now. I suspect this may be more true for me then some men - I'd guess the characteristics I have may appeal more to women who have a natural tendency to like older men, and maybe aging had more positive impacts on me (I don't so much mean physically) then for some.

My wife's cousin lived in my basement for a while during unemployment. He's in his early 40's and single. Dates mid 20's women all the time.

I think physically men do peak in mid to late 20's, but it seems that the impact of aging reduces their attractiveness far less then it seems to for the average woman. Beyond that, many women seem to value traits that men gain with age more (stability, wealth, power, maturity). Men don't really go out looking for women who are mature and powerful, even when looking for a serious relationship. They look for sweet, kind, loyal and nice to hang out with. Some older women are like this, some younger, but its not something that necessarily is growing with age to offset any decline in looks.

Short version - men get better looking with age a little longer then women do, which isn't surprising given they hit puberty later and are still growing physically into their bodies well into their 20's (compare the performance of 20 vs 25 year old male and female athletes). But its the post-peak impacts that differ more. Women seem to find aging to be less of a negative in terms of male appearance then vice versa. Combined with increased stature, older men may be finding dating easier, and interpret this (and spread the story) that they get 'better with age'. Its probably more accurate to say that many men don't look that much worse as they age and are overall more date-able then when they were younger.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

me being a guy I do not embrace this

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I'd say it's wishful thinking, mostly.

Some women do this too, pointing out hotties like Sandra Bullock or Susan Sarandon who are freakishly well kempt.

Truth of the matter is that young people look the hottest.

However, females ARE more likely to compromise on sexual attraction for stuff like financial security or even emotional security. I do know younger women who will date older guys who aren't as hot as the younger guys they could bag if the older guy is richer or more attentive.

bombdotcom · Accepted Answer

In my opinion, men age better. I work at a fitness club and we have a lot of older businessmen who come through and they're very attractive. I handle sign ins so I have access to info and most of them are between 35-45. Very attractive

I actually don't find the old celebs hot. Every one loves George Clooney, Leonardo DiCaprio & I'm just like "no"

Most women look a hot ass mess. But almost every woman on here claims to look younger than they are, which is bullshit.

Anonymous · Answer

Men tend to get richer with age. Money and power has been shown to increase a man's sex appeal to women. Men are also able to reproduce our entire life, but women are not. The human race is designed to be attracted to healthy fertile people. Since women have a harder and harder time getting pregnant as they get older, nature taught men not to waste time trying to impregnate those women. As opposed to the oldest males, which were the strongest and smartest of the men, which is how they stayed alive for so long. So an older man, had good genes and could still reproduce, unlike his female counterpart.

sketchy · Answer

Just to clarify what I wrote in a previous topic...

I think guys peak when they're young (let's say mid-20s), but then they have the *potential* to stay looking good for longer than women do - because older guys can look good in a different way (rugged or sophisticated or worldly or whatever).

In practice, there isn't the same pressure on guys to look good once they're married - so they stop working out, get beer-bellies, don't make the effort on personal grooming, let their wives buy their clothes for them, etc - so that potential nearly always goes unfulfilled.

As you say though, guys like Johnny Depp and Brad Pitt (and many others, such as George Clooney, Sean Connery, Richard Gere...) prove that it is possible for at least some guys to stay looking good - but there aren't any women who still look good at that age. There are women who look good "for their age", but none who look as good as younger women.

Anonymous · Answer

Not all men, of course, but generally speaking it's much more true that women find older men attractive than men find older women attractive.

Besides that, it's women who have always said men get better looking with age, not men. You're barking up the wrong tree.

Anonymous · Answer

There are enough young women who are attracted to older men, that it has become common knowledge.

"Does the average 40 year old man truly think that he could get 20-25 year old women?"

No. The average 40 year old is married and even in his mid-life crisis, doesn't think he can get a 20-25 year old.

However, he also knows he might be one of the few who has a 25 year old crushing on him or flirting with him, because she has daddy issues or what ever.

chokenGAG · Answer

I am far more attractive now then when I was younger. AND HONEY lol I haven't peaked yet lol. where would you ever get that idea from lol... simple minds makes me laugh out loud !

Anonymous · Answer

LOL I agree with you girlfriend most guys are somewhat cute when younger but gross when older. It's called male privilege

Anonymous · Answer

In your opinion, men peak in their mid 20s because that's what you're attracted to.

Every woman is going to have her own opinion on whether or not men look better with age.

When you're 40, you're likely going to say men around your age are more attractive than guys in their mid 20s because that's what you're attracted to.

It's completely subjective.

jacquesvol · Answer

Mature and older men get less critical  about themselves (and about women!) It helps.

Anonymous · Answer

Not in terms of looks but money. They need to learn to specify on that.

Anonymous · Answer

Maybe they think that because men don't usually get cellulite or sagging breasts or flabby bellies by the time they reach 35 like most women.. Just a thought.

Anonymous · Answer

Well I like older women. There's a lot of older women out there that's hot .

Anonymous · Answer

Most guys thinks it looks on why they age well but women are attracted to older guys because they are richer

AndyWes · Answer

I'm pretty sure men peak about 30.

Blossom20k · Answer

I think so too.

Why do some men think men get better looking with age?

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