A new survey has found that Britons are largely relaxed about age gaps in romantic relationships, with an average acceptable difference of six years and many willing to consider gaps of up to 20 years. The poll of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Disney+, reveals that 71% of respondents see no issue with a relationship where one partner is significantly older or younger, as long as maturity levels are matched and they share common life goals.
Age Gaps of 10-20 Years Widely Accepted
According to the research, 56% of participants consider an age gap of 10 to 20 years as perfectly acceptable grounds for a relationship. A fifth (20%) would prefer to be with someone older than themselves, including 32% of women and just 8% of men. In contrast, more men would opt for a younger partner (33%) than one the same age (21%).
Evolving Attitudes Toward Age-Gap Relationships
The study also found that 47% of people think age-gap partnerships are becoming more acceptable, compared to 12% who believe they are becoming less accepted. Nearly a quarter (24%) have become more open to these relationships as they have gotten older. Lee Mason, vice president of Scripted, Disney+ EMEA and commissioner of the new show Alice and Steve, which explores an age-gap relationship, commented: “Our research highlights just how complex relationships are, and how easy it is to rely on assumptions until we’re faced with real situations.”
Concerns About Age-Gap Relationships
Despite the overall acceptance, respondents expressed several concerns about entering into a relationship with a significant age difference. These include the possibility that the relationship might be purely transactional (40%), potential lifestyle differences (40%), and a possible power imbalance (30%). Additionally, 9% would be put off if the person they dated had ties to a family member.
Reasons for Choosing Older or Younger Partners
Among those who prefer an older partner, the most appealing traits are emotional maturity (54%), security (42%), and confidence and life experience (41%). For those leaning toward a younger partner, attractiveness (44%), more energy (41%), and fun and spontaneity (37%) were the standout reasons.
Influence of Personal Connections and Media
The survey also revealed that 23% of respondents would feel differently about age-gap relationships if a close friend or family member knew the person they were dating. This would lead 14% to view the possibility more positively, while 9% would be put off, primarily due to worries about long-term compatibility (43%). Furthermore, 28% agreed that TV and film have positively influenced their perception of age-gap relationships, including 46% of Gen Z respondents compared to only 10% of Boomers.
Lee Mason added: “For most people, a successful relationship is about far more than age alone. In making the show, we wanted to explore the ways in which different generations react to age gap relationships and how it affects family, friendship and the relationship itself. Intergenerational relationships are still the focus of much debate and differing opinions. But it’s interesting that many adults believe compatibility, maturity and shared goals matter much more than the number of years between partners.”
