I would say that it's natural for older men to be attracted to younger women, and for younger women to be attracted to older men. We need to consider how humans evolved.
Throughout most of our history, woman depended on men for resources, and older men with more experience and wisdom typically had more wealth/power. Of course, this has changed in recent centuries with women becoming more independent, but we cannot deny our evolutionary biology/psychology. Therefore a relationship with the man being older and the woman being younger will usually work out better in the long-run (within legal limits, of course).
As you mentioned, there needs to be mutual respect both ways, but it's a fine balance to strike. The truth is that a woman will lose respect for a man who allows her take charge and call the shots (as men are traditionally the leaders), but she will also fall out of love (or possibly abandon) a man who doesn't care for and respect her enough. An older man is probably better at striking that balance.
Hmm well said boss, there must be a balance but things had changed over the years.