What portion of women are cougars?

Just an estimate, what portion of single older women would be comfortable dating a significantly younger man? 5% 15% 50%?

[buni]

I have no idea, but I know I am

[in2big]

Good thread. I wonder about this too..I have heard that there are alot of women who like much younger men, but if you look in your area (or at least i noticed in mine), there are not a lot of "cougars" listed. Maybe they prefer meeting someone in public rather than online first and so some of them dont sign up for these sites.

[sbrdbnt]

As of 2003 it's estimated that 34% of women over 40 are dating younger men.

The numbers could be higher in the 5 years that have since passed.

They are out there, we just need to find them, which is getting easier every day

Cougars, Older Women Dating Younger Men, Boomer Women - AARP

Statistics compiled by AARP The Magazine back up the trend.

A whopping 34 percent of women over 40 are dating younger men, according to a 2003 survey. The same poll, which surveyed 3,500 single people (both women and men) aged 40 to 69 year old found that 56 percent are currently separated or divorced from a spouse, 31 percent have never been married, and seven in 10 (74 percent) of formerly married singles in their 50s have been single for five years or more.

The study stated that the divorce rate now, compared to when cougars were married some 25 years ago, has contributed to the amount of single, 50+ women, said to be “on the prowl” in today’s dating pool.

I wonder what the ratios are. There seems to be a lot more men then women on this site, but that could be some selection bias. (ie. younger men have more time to be online)

[sbrdbnt]

There could be many reasons why there are more men on this, and other sites.

In the case of younger men, we're probably a little more tech savvy. We also grew up around computers and technology, and using the internet to find dates. If I imagine a woman around my mom's age, she barely has a grasp on windows and what the internet is. Bonus to all the women on here that use and enjoy the forums and dating sites

Then there's also the fact that men are probably a little more likely to go out looking for nsa encounters... trust me, spend some time in the "Casual Encounters" section of Craigs List, and you'll be overwhelmed by all the m4w and yes m4m ads (many of them straight guys).

Even for the relationship oriented types, there are typically 2-3 ads a day for w4m, while 7-8 a day for m4w

Regardless, far more men than women are likely to use the internet to find a partner (casual or long term).

[jurupa]

I think the reason to why there are more guys than older women is due to more guys are interested in some way or another in older women. Basically its supply and demand. But as far as the number of older women going for or at least going out with younger guys is growing tho. As society as a whole is growing more accepting and open to older women with younger guys.

[buni]

I agree tarni. A lot of younger men do seem to see older women as desperate and needy.
I'm lucky so far the men I have talked to from here have not given me that impression, but some from other sites have.

I do think that a lot of women are worried about what society thinks about it, but thanks to celebrities like Demi Moore and Ashtun Kutcher it is being more accepted and more women are coming out in the open with it.

[jurupa]

Originally Posted by tarni

If I may, being a tad bit more cynical about the ratio, there are more men here because they see older women as needy and desperate. No, not saying you guys do but it is one explaination. There are many male scammers here trying to woo the women with love and understanding just to get at their money. It happens on every dating site.

But doesn't every dating site has their own problems when it comes to such things? Craigs List as far as my area is concern (Orange County section) is basically full of spam when it comes to the personals. I know I have seen a couple of spam profiles on Plenty Of Fish. And with the economy the way it is I have no doubt there will be a noticeable increase in scamers/spam.

[jurupa]

Originally Posted by buni

I agree tarni. A lot of younger men do seem to see older women as desperate and needy.
I'm lucky so far the men I have talked to from here have not given me that impression, but some from other sites have.

I don't think a lot of young guys think that. I think some do say that to rationalize their action for going for older women and older women going for younger guys tho. You have to keep in mind the whole older women younger guy thing has not been around that long as far as popularity goes. I think most guys more think older women as a women to have a great sex with than anything else.

I do think that a lot of women are worried about what society thinks about it, but thanks to celebrities like Demi Moore and Ashtun Kutcher it is being more accepted and more women are coming out in the open with it.

And movies like American Pie also help. And I think for those that have look into the subject have learned about The Graduate which I believe the earliest movie that has the older woman and younger guy relationship. I do believe Sexy and the City even touch on the subject once or twice. I am not sure as I don't watch that show. It also don't hurt that the sexes today are a lot more equal to each other and society as a whole is becoming more open in general.