As an older man in the workforce I interact with women coworkers who are half my age. The age gap removes any awkwardness I might have felt as a younger man (provided their proximity isn’t too close) and makes interactions smooth. Who knew friendship with women could be so… pleasant. I know professional interactions aren’t exactly friendship but it’s comparable since I occasionally enquire after their family without being nosy. And of course I don’t force interactions unless there is a professional need and vice versa.