Simon, you are my hero!
My apologies for such a delayed response. I have been gone at work for two weeks. No internet access at work... and no phone, running water, electricity, etc.. As you can imagine, I look forward to getting home and enjoying my life ALONE! I am joking of course (about enjoying the "alone" part). The rest is all true!
At work I spend my days helping young people fix their lives. At night I sleep in a crowded tent full of these young hooligans discussing matters that concern young folks whose lives are off track and playing a few tunes on my harmonica. I am a wilderness therapy counselor. I spend more days at work than I do living my own life. Ergo, I spend most of my life engaged in the activity of "helping others" make better choices. What I do pays very little, so at the end of the day my reward is moral: not financial. The first thing I do when I get to my cell phone when I get off of work is to call my Mom! I just can't wait to tell all the stories of my occupation with someone. Please don't misunderstand! I love my Mom, but I want someone else in my life to share all of the grandeur with... and some kissing and snuggling too!
I must concede that a large age difference could create complications, but let's be real: what relationship doesn't have complications?
SO!!! I shall share one of life's ultimate truths with all of you: If anyone ever told you life is what you "make it", they lied! You have no control over others, their thoughts, actions... Life, my dear friends, is how you "take it". How grand or otherwise insignificant life is to you depends entirely on how you "receive" each opportunity and event! How do you interpret and define life as it is delivered to you? Do you "capitalize" on each and every opportunity? Do you watch opportunity come and go like a feather in the wind? Life moves forward regardless of our response!
I hope you have all heard the expression "taking the bull by the horns". This is pure egotism. One who "takes the bull by the horns" is going to have the crap beaten out of him/her repeatedly with no positive results. Anyone who claims to be that kind of person has truly never met with any real opposition in life. On the other hand: bull-riders have the right idea! Hop on the bull, hang on for dear life, and let the wild winds of fortune land you wherever they may! Be glad you're still alive when all of the dust settles!
My point is this: What I am looking for isn't stamped with an age! My life has absolutely delivered more "hard knocks" than most 40 or 50-year-olds that I know! I am not looking for Mrs. perfect; I am, however, looking for Mrs. perfect for me! If life delivers her in the form of a 20-year-old or a 40-year-old, I will receive her with open arms! I will also ridicule anyone who has a negative opinion about my "happiness" on any level!
My superb congratulations to our senior citizen friend who found happiness with his young hottie, and my richest compliments to all who have commented on this subject! I am glad you are all so passionately opinionated about where to find love and the impact age may or may not have on the equation. I am confident that the amount of thought we have all put into this is evidence of our commitment to our individual quests for happiness! I am all emotional now

I wish you all had someone special! And me too!
I look forward to every response and addition to this fantastic debate!
If I had a hot chick who loved me... I would be snuggling with her right now instead of writing this! Think about that!