Does age matter when considering marriage?

Marriages are hitting the rocks these days, as the statistics of separations and divorces continue on the upward trend. These unions fall apart faster than they were consummated for reasons best known to the couples.  However, most people attribute it to age difference between the couple as they argue that the age factor should be the most important thing that couples need to consider before getting married.
This topic has stirred a little controversy between people of both sexes. Some respondents who spoke to Lifextra did not hesitate to say what felt about it.
Citing the popular adage “age is just a number”, Taofik Rotimi says “No, it does not. As long as they make each other happy and give each other their due respect, then there should be no problem because happiness is priority; so age should not be problem.”
Olayemi Ayo, a poet, told Lifextra that the people who can think about marriage are those who are financially okay, who have put their temper in proper check, and those who can be a “shock absorber” in times of crisis. For example “if the wife offends the husband, he needs to be someone who is socially, psychologically, and spiritually balanced.”
Speaking to Lifextra, Nduk Blessing Karick says it shouldn’t. “There was a time when age mattered, but not anymore. Ladies these days are taking their time because their priorities have changed. The society frowned at late marriages, especially the women. They were seen as old maids, but today, things have changed. Women place their priority on their jobs, and they seem to explore socially before settling down, and there are men who seem not to care, as long as a lady is independent, they get very attracted to such kind of people.”
Stating her views, Hadiza Adogwu believes age matters because “Psychologically a woman matures faster than a man so you can find both sexes, same age but the woman has a larger, wider and stronger worldview than the man.
“If the man is older, he knows how to speak better, treat and respect the lady. It is only men who are completely crazy who treat their other halves anyhow, Adogwu added.
Ihuoma Okonkwo, a teacher, feels that age has nothing to do with squabbles or break up in marriages, as long as a partner is not under aged. “I’d rather say that character plays a leading role in the success or otherwise of a marriage. The ability to understand and tolerate a spouse is very important.”
“Maturity is also a key factor. A nineteen year-old lady could be more matured in handling her marriage than a thirty five-year-old. There are lots of people who have simple refused to act maturely despite their age, and such people end up with messed up marriages.”