Experts reveal 'perfect' age gap between couples in a relationship and sparks controversy

For some people, age is just a number, but for others, meeting someone who's considerably older or younger could be a deal breaker.

Despite some of the controversy surrounding 'age gap relationships', according to a study, meeting somebody who's a few years older or younger could lead to years of happiness.

According to Psych Central, there is an age gap that leads to greater levels of satisfaction among couples.

For some, age really is just a number (Getty Stock Photo)

Citing research published in the Journal of Population Economics from 2017, they claim that couples with large age gaps 'had a faster decline in relationship satisfaction in their first six to 10 years of marriage than similarly aged couples'.

"Relationship satisfaction decreased slightly for couples with age gaps of four to six years and continued to decrease for couples with an age gap of seven or more years," Psych Central add.

In other words, while an age gap can lead to a successful relationships, a smaller gap could be the better option.

For heterosexual couples, an age gap of up to three years in which the male is older, were the most common and had a higher level of satisfaction than other age gaps.

Meanwhile, those with an age gap of one to three years was considered ideal.

Of course, every relationship and individual is different, so naturally, people have varying views on the matter.

Writing on Reddit, one person said: "An 8 year age gap between two consenting adults is fine. It is more an issue of personal compatibility, mutual attraction & ambitions and shared lifestyle preferences."

While another added: "I’m a female and my bf and I were 12 years apart and he was younger so... we were really happy too and never noticed it so I think age is just a number at a certain point and everyone is different."

A couple with a 45-year age gap have recently opened up about their relationship.

Stefani, now 29, first met Don now 74, when she was 20 and working in a pub.

One to three years is seen as ideal (Getty Stock Photo)

Recalling their first meeting in an interview with Love Don't Judge, she said: "I just thought he was so handsome and he was charming and super flirty. And I don't know, it just made me happy."

Don became a regular customer at the pub and before long they became more than friends, despite Don being the same age as Stefani’s late father.

Though the couple were happy, the relationship did cause issues with Stefani's family.

"They thought I was making a mistake", she said, while her mom expressed belief that Stefani was 'losing out on a chance to meet somebody that she could grow old with'.

But in spite of the concerns about their romance, the couple went on to get married and welcome a son, Lachlan, who is now a toddler.

"I really don't care what people on the street say about it," said Stefani.

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