Though single (and sometimes not-so-single) people of any age may want to go dating, the activity is often associated primarily with young people. Places like single bars are primarily intended for younger people, at least in the United States. This fact has been remarked upon by actor Chris Noth, who established a bar/club specifically so that people his age would have more places where they would be comfortable having fun and meeting each other. Still, even people of "a certain age" sometimes prefer younger partners, despite the danger of being labeled a "sugar daddy," "cougar," "puma," etc.

Part of this may be put down to the rise of youth culture. Young people tend to be designated as a separate group, and alternately reviled, exploited, venerated, and fetishized. Having a young partner is much like winning and displaying a trophy.

Still, the desire for a relatively youthful partner is not just a matter of enculturation. It is also part of our biology. We have evolved to prefer partners of child-bearing age in order to facilitate the continuation of our species. Though the world is overpopulated now, our preferences took root at a time when all humans were struggling for survival, so, as much as possible, mating had to happen with healthy partners of the "right" age. Even though our demographic and ecological position has changed a great deal since the Stone Age, many of the instincts from that time still remain.

Some people may protest that the fixation on youthfulness is both a symptom and a cause of superficiality in people's approach to romantic interaction. To some extent, this is true. Characteristics like youth, beauty, wealth, fame, or membership of a certain ethic group can help one attract some kind of interest.

It can be said that the attractions of youth are only skin deep. However, it has to be said that the significance of youthfulness goes further than simply catching somebody's eye. Retaining your energy, health, and vitality can be very helpful in starting and maintaining relationships. You will need to maintain your energy in order to find time to spend with someone special, despite a busy schedule. Strong vitality and a good immune system can leave more options open for you when it comes to choosing activities to do with your significant other.

This is why, even if you already have a relationship, you should not "let yourself go," health-wise, at least, particularly if children are involved. You may want to put a lot of time and effort into developing your relationship, but desire and planning will be of little avail if you have a worn-out body that simply isn't up to it. Youthfulness—or at least a youthful energy and sense of adventure—can be as vital to a relationship as a sense of maturity and commitment.

Thankfully, there are several anti-aging products on the market that are made of safe ingredients. The best do more than just smooth out wrinkles and add some more shine to your hair: they also give you more energy to do what means the most to do. With a little crafty digging and good advice, you should be able to find them.