In many cases, with changes in our society, diversions on the Internet, and new inventions, the desires for relationships aren't as important as years gone by. As we get older, we see more and more of our single, divorced or widowed friends and family falling into this category.

Love re-distribution:

     Many singles become disenchanted with social media, mixers, online dating, and the like. Instead they re-channel their emotions toward other options. I won't say less emotional demanding or intimidating but easier to deal with i.e. their careers, friends, family, grandchildren, internet diversions, hobbies....etc

     From my own observations, for the most part, whether having a career or not, a woman is closer to her family, children, friends, and may devotes a lot of time into her hobbies/organizations. When married, she didn't see her husband for hours a day so she put her energies into the other outside resources as stated above. Once single again, regardless how her marriage was or why it ended, it's easier to rely on these outside stimuli.

     Most men are used to working most of the day coming home and feeling the need for companionship. Friends, family, and hobbies are fine but don't satisfy the male the same as it does a woman.

     I've seen, over time, when some single women stop dating, or don't date often, it becomes less likely they will desire having someone around more than just a friend. On the other hand, most single, divorced or widowed men will continually look for that someone to date.