Is age just a number?

[catch22]

Half your age plus 7

[Prunepicker]

I can't imagine being married to a woman half my age with her having
to take care of me when she's 40. How reasonable is that? Thankfully
my wife is older than me, which emphasizes her incredible wisdom.

[BBatesokc]

...Physical age cannot be minimized. Mental age, however, is a matter of choice. ...

Couldn't agree more.

There are moments when age (or age differences) don't seem to be a big deal - 20's - 60's - possibly (depending on mental maturity).

But it should certainly be a consideration when it comes to long term relationships IMO.

My stepfather - whom I've always considered my dad since I was the age of 11 - died just three weeks ago (and just before their 31st wedding anniversary). He was 83 and my mother is only 60.

The 'age is just a number' misconception became evident when he hit his 70's. Fortunately he kept himself in very good health. Otherwise, mom would have been faced with being the caretaker of an elderly husband while she herself was still fairly 'young.'

Now she's 60 and a widow and not looking forward to possibly creating an entirely new life with someone else for the next 20-40 years.

Fortunately my parents were very mature and responsible and my dad knew he would most likely die long before my mom, so he made sure she would be financially taken care of for the rest of her life even if he couldn't be there himself.

I believe if two people are in good physical shape then indeed mental age is what mostly separates us or draws us together regardless of 'the number.'

I personally would not want to marry someone 20-30years younger than myself knowing the reality they may one day have to take care of me and that I will most likely die long before they do.

[kelroy55]

Sorry for the loss of your step-father. I know how step parents can seem like your biological ones, or closer.