Actually, the dating pool doesn't get smaller, it just gets older along with the people in it. Women, don't let scare tactics like this crush your hopes. I got married for the first time at 51 to a 57-year-old guy who also had never been married. And it was worth the wait. It was exactly his age, life experience, maturity, and wisdom that made him a "top catch," contrary to what the author says about "older" men.