if you are able to dance with your partner as if no one is there but you two, you have answered your question; however, if the opinion of others influence your decisions significantly, then you have also answered your question...

I think age difference should not be important. What is, is how you both feel. You only live once and you deserve to be happy.

yes

In romantic and love relationship; age counts;specially in long-term.
In friend-friend relationship;age doesn't count;if both agree.

Think about it...and twice!

Of course age makes a difference as you get older you change and have had many more life experiences than a person who is a lot younger. hopefully you are calmer and wiser than a younger person. This does not take into account the physical aspect of getting older. You have less energy and often do not want to do things that you liked doing when you were younger and what younger people like doing now. Nature governs what you do and the aging process is a natural one. There is a season for everything and a reason for everything. A ten year age gap when your young is nothing but as you get older big age gaps become more problematic in relationships. People who say age is just a number are talking out of there behinds because it is much more than that.

I'm glad I don't have any daughters.
But I bet you think about it.

The year spread is important IF you are looking for long term as there is an expected limit on your life expectancy. If there is 18 years difference, the younger should expect to outlive you. IF you are looking for something a little shorter term or a friend or companion, then it is all about a shared lifestyle. Some people are significantly older than their years in their lifestyle and others, much younger.