In the meantime, although I find much younger women beautiful, I no longer find them attractive in the way I used to. Perhaps I see them more as being my daughter's friends, even though most don't know her at all.
Right now I'm in a state of confusion as to choosing the right age difference. At least with ladies of similar or older age, I don't find a problem.

I would like to thank everyone for your replies. I will attempt to get back to all of you over the next few days.

the problem with a significant age diff is that the older partner will come to a point when he/she realizes he/she probably won't be around when the younger spouse really needs him/her.
quite depressing.

I prefer 5 years plus or minus but will seriously consider 10 years.

I was married for 17 years with a man 2 years older than me. After he died (we were legally separated at the time for 6 months) it took me awhile to date again. My first experience with dating was with a man 7 years older than myself. The attraction grew with time and we were a couple for 3 years but not living together. It didn't last because we were just too far apart in terms of common interests and common world views. He had an old fashioned approach that I found comforting and charming at first but not so much with time. Mostly his conservative worldview and a difficulty working through our differing opinions. So I think I need to seek out a man who's closer to my age and has common interests and political views. There is something about being with people of your own generation I suppose. I have fallen for the 'wrong type' before and don't want to do THAT again. I guess there are some 'non-negotiable' traits when it comes to a long-term relationship for me. That was not the case in my early days of dating. I used to think that opposites attract but I have learned my lesson...they may attract at first but then they start repelling each other.

I have zero desire to date someone younger than myself. I prefer to date up.

I've always been attracted to much older persons. My SO is 25 years older. My FWB is 17 years older. I had a much younger bf but decided to give him up because I can't handle the lack of maturity. I tend not to form relationships with those around my age.

Sure it has changed over time. If I had dated my girlfriend on my early twenties, I would deservingly have gone to jail. Maturity matters, that is all.

I’ve always gravitated towards older men. I would have a difficult time going on a date with a men who was even 4 years younger than me.

No idea why.