@rigid,
On different levels, most guys fantasize about being with another woman, some of us are weak enough to do it, some fights the urge by all means and some can easily overcome it.
Believe it or not it's not always about the wife, guys love to feel wanted and love to "score" with a younger "prize" to fulfill their ego and enhance their self confidence. it might be that you're not offering variety in your sex life.
Another thing, there's nothing called "suddenly" when it comes to cheating, it's either he had been fantasying about it long enough and found a good young thing to fulfill his urge or that there were small problems between you too that piled up and resulted such action.
Lastly no matter what he says, I truly believe nothing can justify cheating...