It could be that you are looking for a mother figure. Looking for someone that you feel may have more experience and knowledge. Someone that can guide you. As you said, someone you can lean on.

I think some people have different maturity levels and are therefore drawn to older and more mature individuals. I dated a much younger guy once and it was like he had an old soul. He didn't fit in with others in his age group. So it could be like that with you. As long as you are happy with it age doesn't matter.