Television personality and AZfoothills.com columnist Nadine Toren is scouring the area, finding savvy Valley features, bringing readers “on the scene.” Every day she’ll introduce you to celebrities, athletes, and give you an inside look into local events and hot spots. She'll touch on topical issues, and keep AZ fans posted on all the big talkers around town.

Is age just a number?  Check out why Valley guys are going after older gals...

MEOW...it's the purrrrrrrrfect place to meet men and women like yourself; that is, if you prefer dating a different generation.

Let me explain.

M.E.O.W. isn't just slang for kitty cats; in fact, it has a whole new meaning to its Valley creator, Joann Cohen, Scottsdale Relationship Consultant.  The mid-aged single lady came up with the idea after talking to a number of guys and gals looking for love.  Her trademarked group is simply self explanatory: Men Enjoying Older Women (MEOW).

"I want people to open the door wider to find partners," said Cohen, M.E.O.W's spearhead.

And that means believing age is just a number...and bidding farewell to the term "cougar."

"A cougar sounds very negative--an older, predatory woman on the hunt for a young cub.  Many beautiful women actually despise being compared to cats."

So instead, Cohen's bound to spread the word that those interested in another generation are just as serious as average-aged daters.

Her Valley meet-up group is one of the biggest in the area, exceeding more than 350 young males and older females.  Guys have to be 21-49 to join, while women must be 30-59.  She says it's a fun, respectful, interactive atmosphere, and the growing group gets together about every other month for arranged parties.  Cohen closely monitors her groupies--those lewd and inappropriate are immediately removed from the system.

"Age gaps are becoming more and more socially acceptable; just look at celebrities--it's the Demi/Ashton effect."

Cohen says many older women she talks to are sick of their same-aged male counterparts.  The classy females claim "older guys" are not as energetic, fun loving, and physical.  That's why these ladies tend to scout boys--they're looking for a playful change.  Younger guys are seemingly more apt to listen and open to being sporadic and adventurous.  It's also a good post divorce ego-booster--there's just something undoubtedly flattering about women scoring a youthfully fit guy.

"Face it, there's nothing wrong with a handsome 20-something."

On the flip side, many young guys find mature lovely ladies sexy.  Cohen says the age difference is endearing, and younger men see the whole picture, appreciating a confident, drama-free woman.  Yes, these older gals have been around the block, so youthful males find their openness and experience attractive.  In addition, there's also that physical factor.  Cohen says some guys like women who knows what she wants in the bedroom; enough said.

"Younger men know that many older women generally are not looking for someone to financially support her; rather, someone looking for fun, fresh love."

And her meet-up group is quite successful.  Cohen claims many of her M.E.O.W. attendees date one another, and even if things don't end in "I do," these guys and gals get some much needed fun as they "cheers" to their taboo age gap.

For more information, visit www.meetup.com/MEOW-Men-Enjoying-Older-Women-tm-Dating

The next M.E.O.W. event is mid-July.