Why? I'm in my mid 40s and have a 1 yo. I'd trade the adventure and hedonism of my 20s and 30s for good knees, a good back, quicker recovery from sleep deprivation, etc...
Now, don't just mate with anyone, be smart, look at how their parents are doing, ascertain their fundamental personality. IMHO 4-6 hours of real conversation is enough to tell if you want to spend the rest of your life with a person. The real challenge is listening to and believing that quiet little voice in your head. Which is a challenge because sometimes that takes 30+ years to learn how to do.