I wanted to ask what people think their answer to this is. Also the same question about women. It doesn't have to just mean sexually, it can mean the whole person, emotionally, physically, mentally or any other word ending with -ally

According to research they say that men are at their prime sexually when they are around 19 years old. But research and statistics kind of try to lump everybody into groups and pigeon holes. So I wondered if people had their own thoughts on this? When is a man or a woman in their prime and most dateable, according to you?

why do you think a lot of women in their 40/50's are after younger men?? isnt for good conversation

Fact is men are in their prime sexually in their late teens early 20's, and are on the wain as they get older..and women come in their prime in their 40's..and some women are insatiable sexually when in their 40's +.

Probably explains why younger women often like older men..not so demanding sexually, and more mature in other ways. That will probably change when they reach their 40's.

So this is probably a warning to you Scottie

Probably one of the things mother nature got drastically wrong.

wow, ok i have always, always wanted an older fella, even when i was 18, 22, 28 etc, dont have to be much older, but def older. Age has its advantages in that a bloke has hopefully learnt the basics, and knows what they like.
I disagree that men are best at 19! they dont know what to do, and are just doing anything - everything for some experience, doesnt always mean its a good experience.
That said i have some female friends who will take a younger lover, teach them some tricks and enjoy the gratitute and stamina, most of my female friends however cant be arsed playing teach and want a man who knows, what is where and what to do with it.
dont know if that helps or confuses lol but i dont fancy a whippet teenager,

some people mature mentally at a young age out of necessity so going by statistics isn't the way to go I would like to believe.

Well I kept being told/reminded that these are 'the best years of your life'... Which was a worrying thought because up until a few months ago life had been pretty shit
So apparently it's downhill after you're 25...

I think one needs to define, or at least have a working definition of the term in his/her prime, this might mean a lot of different things to different people.
In my view mid life is probably most peoples prime. The early years are trial and error and the later the mastering of perfection, moreover the physical dare I say it, is probably a very small part of the "Art of love"

Of course a 47 year old would have to say that!

Not all young women prefer older men (unless its a case of economical stability) & nothing is more desirable than a handsome young energetic man in bed. Atleast as a woman in her early 20's I want it so & when it comes to a lady in her 40/50s, according to me its more for loneliness rather than her love drive, she wants company.Since Oestrogen level lowers as a lady ages but for a man, his hormone levels are almost same through his entire lifespan & what decays is his performance due to other medical complications or emotional swings.

I agree with big bear, everyone is different, I am 29 and my bestest, bestest friend she is 52, she might be in her 50's but you wouldnt belivev it to see her, in the flesh or tearing up the dance floor, mand she rips through meadow hall like a 14 yr old with a big budget, when we talk she can rationalise love and what she wants. I wouldnt say her hormones have decreased any,and she enjoys men of all ages, recently she loved being witha 21 year old, it was only the social pressure she feared that stopped them being together.
on the flip, another friend i have is 32 this week, and has always been what i call more emotionally dependant and in my view,(unfortunatley) always goes for the older (and usually wrong) guy.
Even when she knows she isnt happy she refuses to give up on the relationship, as she see's the time as waisted, and well it took her 2 years to break up with someone, so she didn't waste just 3 years, but5. now she is in the postition again, its only taken her 6 months to yet, but last i heard they were back together, she is so determind to make the love of her life out of what she has, instead of letting life runs its course.
so going back to what i said at the beginning, we are to individual and unique to specifiy when your life is in its prime, and i also agree stat's are useless, as ppl tell ppl what they think they want to here,

stef, might not be wise, but aint affraid to say it. (shame i cant spell , lol)

So basically it doesnt matter if a man or a woman for that matter, is in the physical/sexual prime at all.

take my example of George Clooney, 48 years of age, well past his sexual prime (according to research) yet millions of women (not all) fancy the pants off him.

There is hope for older guys

I think it depends on the person.