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DO YOU ASSUME THAT AGE-GAP RELATIONSHIPS ARE THE SOLE PRESERVE OF WELL-HEELED OLD MEN AND PRETTY YOUNG GIRLS? WELL NOT SO, ACCORDING TO THE OLDER WOMEN WHO LOVE DATING YOUNGER GUYS

By Sarah Bridge and Lucy Bulmer

AT 50, Nancy Richards may look absolutely amazing for her age, but as she sits in a restaurant with her hot date there’s no hiding the fact that she’s old enough to be his mother.

Not that she really needs to worry.

Her companion may be in his 20s, but since he’s aware that Nancy is worth over £2million, he’s prepared to overlook a few wrinkles.

Nancy is one of a growing band of wealthy older women who are disillusioned with men of their own age and would rather go out with sexy, energetic young hunks.

“I’m not looking for a one-night stand or a boy toy – I want someone interesting, who can accept me for who I am, and who has the energy to keep up with me.

"I just can’t find that in men my own age.” 

Nancy has an eight-year-old daughter, and is quite a catch with her long, glossy hair and a complexion that would make Hollywood A-listers jealous.

Not to mention that she’s incredibly successful, producing shows on Broadway and in the West End.

But the stunner is well aware of the potential pitfalls in seeking to date a younger man.

She explains: “I’m not interested in meeting a gold-digger, and I think I would be able to sense if they were.

"I don’t want to go out with a loser or a bum – I’ve done that before, and I won’t do it again.”

What Nancy is looking for is a young, sexy man who’s genuinely interested in dating an older woman.

And she’s hoping to find him in a private room at one of New York’s trendiest rooftop bars at 230 Fifth Avenue.

All the men here are under 35 and all the women are between 40 and 60 and have at least £2million in the bank.

Welcome to the world of ‘Sugar Mamas and Boy Toys’ – the latest speed-dating concept in America, in response to a growing trend on both sides of the Atlantic that is turning traditional dating etiquette on its head.

There’s even a name for the trend. Older women on the prowl for younger, sexier men have been dubbed ‘cougars’, and dating services have sprung up to cater for them, including websites such as www.gocougar.com and www.toyboywarehouse.com. 

And the rise may be fuelled by the number of female celebs enjoying toy-boy relationships.

Demi Moore was 42 when she hooked up with 27-year-old Ashton Kutcher, and Sadie Frost and Patsy Kensit have both been linked to younger men.

Queen of the Sugar Mummies, though, has to be 59-year-old multimillionairess Ivana Trump, who is due to marry her 35-year-old Italian fiancé next month.

"The most important ingredient for a youthful look is a fabulous young lover," Ivan has said.

And judging by her age-defying style, she may be right.

 

So what do you think? Should sugar mummies be treated the same as sugar daddies? Or is it different for an older woman to date a young boy? Maybe you like to date toyboys rather than men your own age?

 

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Photography: Wireimage, Alpha, Don Features.