'Cougars' Date Young Men to Help Their Egos, says Study

Courtney Cox in Cougar Town

Ladies on the prowl.

Older women who date younger men, aka "Cougars," have experienced a popularity recently due to shows like Sex and the City and Courtney Cox's Cougar Town. But according to a new study, the cougar lifestyle may not be as glamorous as everyone thinks.

Conducted by a bevvy of dating websites, like Matchmaker.com, Amor.com and Date.com, the survey asked thousands of men and women the attracctions and benefits of being a cougar.

According to the respondents, men tend to date older women they perceive as cougars mostly for financial reasons. 85% said older women have a lot of money and can take care of them. Also, 72% said older women are more desperate and are easier to get in bed.

Most women, on the other hand, like to date younger men because it makes them feel young and attractive. 95% said a fling with a younger man is less complicated because you don't have to deal with questions of children and marriage, and 89% said it makes them feel young and like they "still got it." 78% said it's because younger men have more stamina in bed.

Of course, not every cougar and her cub are in it only for sex and/or money. Ashton Kutcher, 31, and Demi Moore, 46, have been married over four years now, proving that love can find any couple, no matter the age difference.