For me within the past six months is recent. Up to a year ago is acceptable, though not ideal. However, the lady you want to vouch for you has to actually remember you (and be reference-friendly, of course, because not all are). This is the primary reason I prefer more recent references: if you saw a lady once for an hour 10 months ago, her memory of you is likely quite faded, if even present at all now. I also want to know that your behavior recently has been honorable. Someone you met in 2002 may not have an accurate impression of your current personality.
If she doesn't remember you, I'll simply need another reference who
does know who the heck you are. If you don't have sufficient references, I'll have to screen you as if you were a newbie (for me, that means via employment info).
And if
that doesn't work, well... you're welcome to contact me again when you
do have more recent references.