Age preferences of older adults in relationships important to their life satisfaction

This study was an investigation of age preferences of older adults (ages 61 to 89 years) for individuals with whom a relationship may potentially affect life satisfaction. Initially, nine older persons sorted photographs into categories by age and attractiveness. Photographs of young, middle-aged, and old adults (ages from early 20s to early 70s) controlled for sex and attractiveness were then rated by 33 additional older persons in relationships based on factors important to quality of life. The older adults in this study showed preferences for old and middle-aged individuals. These preferences were more pronounced for independent (coping) as opposed to interdependent (expressive) relationships.