Mate Preference Hypothesis

 

"In summary, males are hypothesized to begin with a preference for females around their own age, but, as they grow older, to develop a preference for women who, although not absolutely younger, are progressively younger than themselves. We hypothesize that females will begin with a preference for older males, and compared to males, show less variation in that preference over their lifespan."

 

Kenrick, D. T., & Keefe, R. C. (1992). Age preferences in mates reflect sex differences in human reproductive strategies. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 15, 75-133.