In affluent Western societies, the perceived decline in the sexual market value of aging men and women presents a social dilemma.
Older individuals may naturally desire a society where aging is not a handicap. Some theoretical perspectives frame certain strands of feminism as a form of collective advocacy for women who feel disadvantaged in the dating market, aiming to protect their perceived value.
Some sociological analyses hypothesize that feelings of marginalization, including perceived disadvantages in the dating market, may contribute to the appeal of certain radical movements among some second-generation Muslim immigrants in Europe, particularly when they perceive a cultural disconnect with potential partners.
However, social climbing is only a temporary solution for these individuals, as well as for anyone aging.
A more profound solution to ageism involves societies in which age is a less dominant factor in partner selection.
For example, in some developing economies, as long as there is a strong need for economic support within families, the age-related physical changes of providers may carry less weight in determining their market value.
Thus, from this theoretical standpoint, there may be a rationale for individuals to relocate from affluent Western societies to developing nations where their economic status holds greater relative weight.
For men, traditional or religiously structured societies may offer alternative pathways to being considered desirable mates despite advancing age.
In societies with traditional religious structures, a man's market value often depends on factors beyond physical attractiveness or age, such as social status or piety.
Aging women, on the other hand, may find such traditional structures restrictive. For them, robust feminist advocacy and legal frameworks that regulate male behavior in the dating market can serve as viable strategies to maintain their social standing and perceived value despite advancing age.