A cougar over 50 is an older woman who seeks younger men for fun, flings or relationships. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but society continues to put taboos around age-hypogamous relationships.
You’ve probably seen examples of cougar women in the media, especially in television shows like Cougar Town. Or you might have seen celebrities like Demi Moore, who was in her forties when she started dating Ashton Kutcher.
1. They’re More Attractive
Women over 50 who date men younger than them are often called cougars. Although pop culture paints cougars as predatory, many women who pursue younger men are confident, successful, and independent.
They’re tired of unromantic, narrow-minded men their own age and are attracted to younger men’s energy, optimism, and enthusiasm for life. Plus, they’re looking for an electrifying relationship that’s purely sexual and no strings attached.
Despite the myths and stereotypes, age-gap relationships can be highly fulfilling for both parties. However, if you don’t approach your potential cougar correctly, it could end in disaster.
2. They’re More Confident
A woman who embraces cougar status is likely confident in her looks and her abilities. She’s also a lot more mature than a younger female, and that makes her attractive to men of all ages.
The slang term “cougar” is often seen as derogatory or sexist, but many women are fighting this stereotype. Especially with the advent of shows like Cougar Town, celebrities have shown that age is just a number and women can look great well into their forties and fifties.
3. They’re More Organized
Until recently, the word “cougar” was considered thinly veiled abuse, but it’s been popularized by Demi Moore’s marriage to Ashton Kutcher and Courteney Cox’s new show Cougar Town. Some critics argue that cougars represent a backward step for women’s rights.
The term refers to women who date men considerably younger than them, often with an age gap of 10 years or more. The phenomenon has led to the first National Single Cougar Convention and cougar-themed dating evenings, and even a cougar cruise by a major boat operator.
4. They’re More Adaptable
Many women reject the idea that they can only date men their age. They keep physically fit and try to look younger than they really are.
If a woman wants to pursue younger men for flings or relationships, let her do that. It’s her life. But don’t label her a “cougar” if she doesn’t want that label. It’s insulting. It also makes her seem desperate and superficial. That’s not attractive.
5. They’re More Independent
The cougar has enough confidence to take charge and hold the reins. This can be a wildly sexy experience for the younger man.
While it is a bit of a taboo to box women into stereotypes based on their age and sexual partners, many cougars push back against old taboos by dating men of all ages. While some couples may run into issues based on their differing values and lifestyles or because they are at different stages in life, these relationships often last for years.
6. They’re More Sexy
The use of slang terms to box people – particularly women – into stereotypes based on their age and romantic partners is outdated. But it does persist, and in some ways it’s backfiring.
The word “cougar” refers to women over 40 who date younger men for fun or flings. Some women prefer to call themselves jaguars instead or even better, “manthers.” Regardless of the term used it’s important to recognize that these are empowered, mature and attractive women who are taking what they want and ignoring old taboos.
7. They’re More Flexible
Although Hollywood and tabloids often depict older women as predatory, cougar women are redefining the stereotype. They’re confident, successful and single ladies over the age of 40 who choose to date younger men.
Some men think that a woman is a cougar when she’s divorced or has children and seeks a man younger than her. Others say that a woman can be considered a cougar at any age if her partner is at least 10 years younger than she is.
8. They’re More Generous
Many older women who date younger men are referred to as cougars. Some believe it is a sign of empowering modern feminism while others think it’s a misogynistic male fantasy.
In reality, if the two parties have similar values, lifestyles, and life stages, they can actually have an amazing long-term relationship. However, if there are major differences in age, it will create problems.
Cougars over 50 are women in their forties and fifties who pursue men significantly younger than them for either fun, a fling or even a committed relationship.
9. They’re More Independent
Many older women who date younger men are referred to as cougars. The term is used to differentiate these women from ‘pumas,’ which refers to women in their 30s who seek younger men.
Cougars are generally in their 40s and 50s and prefer men 10 years younger than themselves. While Hollywood and tabloid depictions of cougars have given it a negative connotation, modern women are pushing back against old taboos and dating the men they desire regardless of age.