In the pursuit of finding the perfect match, age emerges as a significant factor, as indicated by the insights from a comprehensive consumer study conducted by India’s leading dating app, QuackQuack. A staggering 70% of the 13,000 participants, consisting of working professionals, business owners, and students across various tiers and cities, acknowledged the influence of age in matchmaking dynamics, ranging from 22 to 50 years.
Founder and CEO of QuackQuack, Ravi Mittal, noted the evolving perceptions around age-related stereotypes in relationships. While some couples defy conventional age norms, a considerable number still hesitate due to these stereotypes, reflecting the evolving yet enduring challenges in this realm.
The study highlighted the distinct experiences of seniors (aged 40-50) on the platform. Despite encountering compatibility with potential matches, 36% expressed struggles due to age-related biases, with 41% of women in this cohort feeling the impact more acutely.
Preferences in age varied between genders, with 45% of men preferring partners either younger or of similar age, while 55% of women leaned towards older counterparts. Notably, both men and women indicated an ideal age gap of three to five years, reflecting a common preference across genders.
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Regional disparities in age preferences were evident, with Tier 1 cities exhibiting more flexibility in dating norms compared to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, suggesting geographical influences on dating preferences.
The study also delved into the evolving dating norms across age groups. Younger participants (20-26) expressed a desire for a more open-ended approach to dating, emphasizing experiences over predetermined outcomes, while those in the 30-40 age bracket displayed readiness for committed relationships.
Age-related stereotypes also surfaced, particularly among older female users in Tier 2 and 3 cities, who lamented societal pressures and judgments associated with dating later in life, including misconceptions about readiness for marriage and commitment.
Success stories revealed nuances in intergenerational relationships, with a notable percentage of men dating older women attracted to their maturity and stability. However, sustaining long-term connections posed challenges due to differing life stages and interests, underscoring the complexities of navigating age disparities in relationships.
