Is it normal to fear dating because you know men perfer younger women?

Yeah, whatever, I'm mid 50s and you're either lying or, well, you're lying.

First, yes men look at younger women. It's normal. Many of us have tried that path and figured out it's not worth it in the long run. We're old, they're not, and we generally have nothing in common. You need to accept the practical reality that men are wired to look/lust at women of childbearing years and you're not going to change that.

Second, no, 50+ year old men can't do it like 20 year olds regardless of what TN_Robert says. Maybe he can but I doubt it. Anyway, 99% of men can't, and the 1% who claim they can probably can't either. Many of us need viagra/cialis to function well. Just deal with that. It's life. We don't like it any better than you do, and no it's not your failing, it's ours.

Finally, if you know you aren't going to be intimate after a normal amount of time, you should tell the guy up front. Why go down a path you know will lead to mutual disappointment?