In this day and age we never keep anything for very long. That’s because the new and improved model is being tested as the current model is being introduced. It seems this is often true with how we treat our lovers/wives too.

But, that wasn’t always the case. In 1745, Benjamin Franklin wrote a letter to a friend on choosing a mistress. In it, he encourages his friend to marry. Failing that, Franklin says, his friend should “prefer old women to young ones.”

I love all women, but on this point I’m a bit like Ben Franklin; I prefer the older ones. I have been married to my wife, who is twelve years (11.5) older than me, for nine years. We celebrate our anniversary on December 14th.

This article, inspired by our love of older women, illustrates that women over 40 aren’t just functional, they’re hot, foxy, babes that are the prize and not the consolation. Therefore, if you’re married to a 40+ gal cherish her and don’t go looking for a ‘newer’ model.

Here’s our pick of 20 of the foxiest women over 40…

Julia Bowen (b. March 3, 1970 ~ age 41)

Sofia Milos (b. September 27, 1969 ~ age 42)

Jennifer Lopez aka J.Lo (b. July 24, 1969 ~ age 42)

Robin Meade (b. April 21, 1969 ~ age 42)

Catherine Bell (b. August 14, 1968 ~ age 43)

Lauren Graham (b. March 16, 1967 ~ age 44)

Daisy Fuentes (b. November 17, 1966 ~ age 45)

Salma Hayek (b. September 2, 1966 ~ age 45)

Halle Berry (b. August 14, 1966 ~ age 45)

Elizabeth Hurley (b. June 10, 1965 ~ age 46)

Kristin Davis (b. February 24, 1965 ~ age 46)

Diane Lane (b. January 22, 1965 ~ age 46)

Marisa Tomei (b. December 4, 1964 ~ age 46)

Monica Bellucci (b. September 30, 1964 ~ age 47)

Sandra Bullock (b. July 26, 1964 ~ age 47)

Demi Moore (b. November 11, 1962 ~ age 49)

Gina Gershon (b. June 10, 1962 ~ age 49)

Nigella Lawson (b. January 6, 1960 ~ age 51)

Ellen Barkin (b. April 16, 1954 ~ age 57)

Kim Basinger (b. December 8, 1953 ~ age 57)