What research reveals about the ideal age gap for lasting love

WE all want to be loved. Whether youre swiping through dating apps in Joburg, reconnecting with an old flame in Gqeberha, or navigating the situationship phase in Cape Town, companionship is something we all crave. But finding a connection that sticks?

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

That's a whole different ball game, and it’s often far messier than our favourite Nicholas Sparks fantasy. A common question that pops up, whispered among friends, sometimes shouted on social media, is this: Does the age gap between partners matter?

Is dating someone younger or older a red flag, or just society projecting its outdated fears?

What science says about age gaps in relationships

A study published in the Journal of Population Economics looked at over 3 000 couples over time, digging into whether age differences actually affect relationship satisfaction.

The results might surprise you. Couples with a small age gap, ideally 0 to 3 years, were the happiest and most resilient. They were more likely to report high levels of satisfaction and stick together when things got tough. Why?

The research points to shared life stages, similar values, and mutual interests as key factors.

It makes sense when you're both figuring out careers, planning a family, or even deciding whether to keep partying or stay in with takeaways and Netflix, it helps to be on the same page. But what about larger age gaps?