You sound like a reasonable person and a good man. As long as you don't target someone based on age, there isn't anything wrong about dating someone older or younger.

Lol, I don't think women who are 40 are one foot in the grave. But then, as I turned 25, I prefer a night in with a tv show and wine instead of being out and about, so I get what you're saying. Women could also say they would prefer younger men because they have more energy.