Do single people who want children prefer older partners?

Yes, a study found that single individuals who strongly desire children tend to prefer older-looking partners over younger ones.

Why do people wanting children find older partners more attractive?

It's suggested that older-looking individuals may appear more psychologically stable and ready for parenthood, a trait that becomes attractive to those with a strong desire for children.

Does the University of Strathclyde study confirm attraction to youth?

No, the University of Strathclyde study challenges the idea that reproductive motivation drives attraction to youth, finding the opposite trend.

Home / Science / Want Kids? Older Partners May Be More Attractive

Want Kids? Older Partners May Be More Attractive

4 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Broody singles show weaker preference for younger faces.
Attraction to older-looking partners linked to perceived stability.
Study challenges evolutionary psychology's focus on youthful attraction.

Want Kids? Older Partners May Be More Attractive

Contrary to popular belief, a new study indicates that single people eager to have children may actually be drawn to older-looking partners. Researchers from the University of Strathclyde found that a stronger desire for offspring correlated with a weaker preference for youthful facial features, challenging established ideas in evolutionary psychology. This suggests that the motivation to become a parent might shift attraction towards signs of maturity and readiness.

The study involved childless UK residents who rated headshots and completed questionnaires about their desire for children. While younger faces were generally rated as more attractive, those expressing a greater desire for children showed a reduced preference for youthful cues. This attraction to older-looking individuals was not linked to perceived wealth or parental capability, but potentially to an appearance of greater psychological stability and life preparedness.