New Age Grand Old Love Story

Dating has been a topic that is a constant with every generation. A simple script where you meet someone your age, get married, settle down, and have kids. However, now, there is a different tune to love — a plotline where young adults are openly hooking up with much older partners. It's not just about “sugar daddy” clichés; the question is about emotional IQ, depth, maturity, and sometimes a good retirement plan.

Apps like Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge are experiencing a sharp rise in intergenerational matches. Whether it’s a 23-year-old going out with someone in their 40s or even 50s, age is becoming less of a dating filter and more of a vibe check.

Ghosting Is Out, Grounded Is In

A 2024 Bumble India survey revealed that 22% of users aged 21 to 27 were open to dating someone at least 15 years older. In a world dominated by ghosting, breadcrumbing, and gamophobia, young daters are leaning towards partners who bring in stability and emotional maturity with clear intentions. For many in their 20s, dating someone older means skipping past the exhausting games and going straight to meaningful conversations.

There is an evident burnout among young adults who get on the bandwagon and find love. By contrast, older partners often have a stronger sense of self, better communication skills, financial stability and maturity.

The appeal is no longer emotional; it is practical. Daters are citing financial stability to be one of the most important things in a relationship. “Historically, age-gap relationships have existed, but what's new is the normalization and celebration of them among Gen Z. It’s no longer taboo—it’s often aspirational,” says Neeta Kulkarni, Sociologist.

The Emotional Payoff

While there are benefits to this age-gap relationship, they don’t come without their complexities, either. Different generations mean different music, food, cultural references, and fashion choices. The most common one would be ‘different plans.’ While critics argue that there is not much of a future left for the other partner, daters think otherwise.

“It’s less about syncing life stages and more about syncing mindsets,’’ says Neha Sharma (27) ,a graphic designer. In fact, for many, age becomes secondary once emotional compatibility kicks in.

Relationship experts point out that these connections offer a sense of security and support. In uncertain times—whether that’s economic anxiety or global instability—many find comfort in a partner who’s lived through more, panicked less, and likely already survived a midlife crisis.

“From a psychological standpoint, these pairings can balance energy and experience. Younger partners bring spontaneity and novelty. Older ones bring wisdom and groundedness. When mutual respect is present, the blend can be fulfilling.’’ says Jessica Lobo, a psychologist.

Of course, every relationship has its quirks. In intergenerational ones, it might be as simple as navigating health differences or as complicated as long-term planning. Still, as long as both individuals walk in with open communication and aligned values, experts say age doesn’t have to be a roadblock.

Beyond the Stereotypes

These are not always your traditional sugar daddy arrangements; in fact, many of these relationships are emotionally rich and rooted in shared interests. Celebrities have helped to boost this concept, Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Cher and Alexander Edwards—all have defied age norms. In India, actors like Sushmita Sen and Lalit Modi made headlines with their brief but bold age-gap fling.

Point being, age is starting to matter less, especially to a generation that already questions traditional roles, hierarchies, and expectations. For Gen Z, it’s not about ticking boxes. It’s about finding someone who makes them feel seen, safe, and supported. “I dated someone 17 years older. It wasn’t about money—it was about emotional maturity. There were no games, no mixed signals. Just two adults who understood each other,” says Arjun Dey, 26, an entrepreneur.

As dating apps evolve with features that let us use filters to adjust according to our values, age may become a thing that we avoid. Gen Z’s openness to older partners reflects a broader shift toward emotional intelligence over physical proximity. They aren’t necessarily looking for someone who fits a checklist. They’re looking for someone who feels right, even if that person has been on this earth 20 years longer.

Love, as always, finds its logic. And Gen Z, with their blend of idealism and pragmatism, are proving that sometimes, the best relationships are the ones that break the rules.

Old Flame, New Age

• Milind Soman and his wife, Ankita Konwa,r have a 26-year age gap

• Sanjay Dutt and his wife Manyat have a 19-year age gap

• Yesteryear's superstar, the late Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu had a 22-year age gap

• Dharmendra and Hema Malini have a 13-year age gap

• Florence Pugh and Zach Braff, Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas, Cher and Alexander Edwards—all have defied age norms