Suzanne Noble, a 65-year-old London-based entrepreneur and podcast host, has explained why she chooses to date younger men and maintain casual sexual relationships rather than pursue a traditional romantic partnership. Noble, who hosts the Sex Advice for Seniors podcast and co-founded Advantages of Age, said she values her independence and prefers relationships that let her enjoy intimacy without the expectations of a conventional partnership.
She currently sees several younger men, most in their late 40s or early 50s. One man she dated was 49, making him 15 years younger than her. She prefers seeing the same people regularly rather than pursuing one-off encounters, which lets her build familiarity and understand what works for both partners.
Why Suzanne Noble Prefers Younger Men
Noble said her preference for younger men is not simply about their age but also about compatibility and their approach to relationships. Rather than having a succession of one-night stands, she prefers to see people regularly. She believes familiarity allows partners to develop chemistry, become more comfortable with each other and understand their respective sexual preferences.
She also said she does not expect the men she dates to provide emotional support or fulfil the role of a conventional partner. Noble maintains friendships for companionship and remains close to a former partner who is now her platonic best friend. Having been self-employed since she was 27, she is accustomed to organising her life around her own interests, travelling independently and making her own decisions. Noble said some younger men seem more comfortable with her independent lifestyle, while some men her own age have different relationship expectations.
Why She No Longer Pursues Traditional Relationships
Noble was married for 12 years and has had several relationships since. However, she said she no longer considers settling down a priority. The deaths of two former partners also influenced her outlook on relationships. One died from liver cancer, while another died from bowel cancer in 2022.
Noble now prefers arrangements that allow her to maintain her independence while enjoying regular intimacy. In an article posted on The Telegraph, she said that 'at 65, I exclusively date younger men.'
Although she remains open to meeting someone she could travel with or build a closer connection with, she doesn't consider a conventional romantic partnership necessary. Her approach separates sexual intimacy from other aspects of companionship, allowing her to maintain different relationships without expecting one person to meet all her needs.
Why She Dislikes the Term 'Toyboy'
Despite dating younger men, Noble objects to labels such as 'toyboy' and 'cougar', which are commonly used to describe relationships between older women and younger men. She recalled encountering the term 'toyboy' when she was 50 and dating a 33-year-old man who later became a close friend. She found the label insulting because it reduced their connection to their age difference.
Noble said people mature at different rates and that she has met younger men who are emotionally mature. She believes the age of a partner does not necessarily determine their suitability for a relationship. Her own lifestyle also influences the people she dates. Having spent decades working for herself, she values autonomy and does not want to change her routine to meet conventional relationship expectations.
Her Sons Have Different Views on Relationships
Noble acknowledged that her two sons have a more traditional approach to relationships, with both preferring monogamy. She believes they would like her to find a long-term partner who could become a permanent presence in her life. However, she said they have largely stopped trying to understand the details of her dating arrangements.
Noble's priorities include travelling, trying new experiences and maintaining control over how she spends her time. She said her approach reflects the lifestyle she has chosen rather than a rejection of meaningful connections. Although she remains open to developing a closer relationship with someone, she does not believe she needs to pursue one to feel fulfilled.
Noble Promotes Sexuality in Later Life
Through her podcast and online content, Noble encourages older adults to discuss sex openly and continue exploring their sexuality as they age. She has also faced criticism over her appearance and dating choices but said she does not engage with every negative comment.
Noble's approach challenges conventional expectations surrounding ageing, sex and romantic relationships. She believes older adults can continue to enjoy intimacy without necessarily pursuing marriage, exclusivity or a long-term partnership. For Noble, maintaining her independence while enjoying consensual sexual relationships remains her preferred arrangement.
