Important to note: “according to a study that compiled polling data from more than 3,000 recently married and divorced Americans”
This stat is regarding Americans, and should not be extrapolated to define date worldwide.
The reality is though that statistics can probably not be obtained from some other countries.
Even if they could be,and showed low divorce rates,it still wouldn’t be reflective that it was a “healthy marriage”-it would only be reflective that in those countries divorce was not an option/acceptable due to religious or cultural reasons.
While marriages with large age difference can sometimes work,it also needs to be considered that the effects are not always just about the couple but can influence society at large.
It can have negative societal effects.
For instance,some places in the Middle East where large age differences in marriage is sometimes socially acceptable,notice it is usually the men that are the one that are much older.
What this creates is a society where a woman’s worth,value and identity is based off youth and beauty and this is very bad for the dignity of women.
It creates a society that de- values and disregards older women and also contributes to the culture that we have (in many countries) of women chasing the eternal “elixxir of youth”.
It also needs to be considered that a relatively young woman with an much old man may want to have children still.
Even if he is capable to have a child,and has the willingness and energy to look after it,studies have shown that there are higher risks of serious illnesses such as Schizophrenia for a child the older the father is.
Another negative effect it has created in society is the “counter culture rebellion” effect of the cougar phenomenon.
In my view,people go through stages of maturity at different ages.
For example,I’m in my mid 30 and I wouldn’t go out with a 20 year old boy because I’m meant to be in a different place maturity wise than he is.
If a man over 55 looks at me (in sexual way) I am not impressed as I feel he should have a more mature and fatherly mindset.
Even much more so if I was still in my 20’s like the OP.
If a guy past 50 liked me I would be quite sceptical what he liked me for.
Ie:is it because he think we are amazingly compatible personality and maturity wise are the same or is it rather he like me because of my (relative to him) youth?
Even if I really like a guy past 50 I would “think twice” because if I am willing to ignore stages of maturity and life for an older man why not also for the younger man too (the 20 year old)?
OP: I’m not in anyway suggesting that any of this is a reflection of your own relationship.
You could have a healthy relationship and be perfectly matched maturity wise.
I’m just stating generally speaking the negative sides of large age gap relationships in society.Im sure there are some positive ones too who’s relationship basic has not been formed on youth or looks etc.
I would be being a bit dishonest though if I didn’t say that generally speaking I would find it somewhat concerning (and imprudent) the character and mentality of any man in his 50’s who would easily jump into a relationship with someone in their 20’s without great thought and hesitation & consideration of whether the 20 something was in the same place mentally,maturity,emotionally and aware decision making wise as they are.
) We defiantly lost him too soon from a heart problem but with my fiancé I am not looking to replace my dad no one can do that we had a great connection. I was always daddy’s little girl. Honestly I still talk about him like he’s still here, lol. Luckily he got a chance to meet my fiancé 
