I'm probably the oldest person who posts on your forum, so I've got a different vantage point, perhaps.
I'd argue that age is not just a number -- there are cultural differences w/ each passing decade and, in terms of having common ground, once age disparities span two or more decades, you really start to see/feel it . . . that said, I actively seek out companions of all ages -- my social circle consists primarily of those much younger than I (because of my musical tastes), whereas the colleagues I tend to socialize outside the office w/ are always much older -- because of my spiritual beliefs: it is important I look to everyone whose path crosses mine as a potential teacher, so it would be extremely counterproductive to limit myself only to those closer to my age.
Sexually, I prefer younger men (ten years is generally the average, but there have been some even twice that in recent times) and women who are closer to my age or older.