As we get older, online dating can become something that we believe is best left to younger generations. But the evidence shows that over 60s on senior dating sites are increasingly finding the love, like-minded partner or business they’re looking for.
Knowing where to start dating for seniors is paramount, especially for those who have recently come out of a long-term marriage or relationship.
A release of the Bureau of National Statistics Marriage rates in England and Wales found that in 2019, the 60 to 64 age group was one of only two to see an increase. The pick-up message? British baby boomers still feel quite loved.
Dating Seniors: The No. 1 Advantage
Good news: When you’re older, online dating can be easier than when you’re 20. As we age, we tend to have a firmer sense of our identity and interests, and with a history of past relationships to draw from, we know exactly what we want from a potential partner.
If you’re a mature person looking for love, there’s more choice than ever before when it comes to how and where to meet people. Read on to get some dating inspiration.
Tip 1: Meeting people online
Now that we shop, bank and work online, it makes sense that we also use the internet to look for love. Once the exception rather than the rule, senior dating sites are much more used by people dating older women or men.
Online dating puts the power in your hands. With so many singles to ‘browse’, you’re free to choose who to contact – and who to ignore. Some services, such as Tinder, are completely free to use, require only a few login details, and emphasize location and appearance. Others charge a subscription fee and ask for some more information about yourself to customize your search; for example, with a site like eHarmony, you’ll need to complete a questionnaire designed to assess your compatibility with other users.
Whichever site you choose, there are a few golden rules to follow, especially for those who haven’t dated in a while and may be less confident. These include being careful about the information you post online (due to online scams), always meeting in a safe and public place, making sure a site is completely trustworthy before paying for anything (usually offers a free trial at the start), and, and most importantly, take your time.
Tip 2: Choose the right site
While certain sites, such as Saga Dating and Mature Love, are specifically aimed at senior singles, dating websites can also target specific interests that people have. If you’re looking for a like-minded soul, say someone who shares your views on politics and world affairs, your best bet is a newspaper site like Telegraph Dating. While this service is not specifically geared towards older people, it usually attracts an older user base.
For seniors looking for even more specific traits in a potential mate, there are niche services such as Christian Connection (for people of Christian faith) and Muddy Matches (for people who live and love rural areas).
Once you’ve chosen the right site, you’ll want to create a profile that truly reflects your interests, personality, and worldview. Don’t try to list specific features or physical features that interest you; rather talk about the kind of person you are and give the reader an idea of the kind of person who could complement the way you live your life. Be open to responding to messages and sending your own messages, and don’t be afraid to follow up on a real date.
Finally, whatever you do, make sure the photos on your dating profile are up to date.
Tip 3: Senior matchmaking agency
If you’ve tried online dating and it didn’t work, try signing up with a matchmaking agency. In the UK, popular agencies are Mutual Attraction, Drawing Down the Moon and Avenues Dating, which cater specifically to older generations.
With a matchmaking agency, there is no need to create an online profile or upload photos to a website. Instead, make an appointment and speak with an experienced professional matchmaker who will ask you about your interests, hobbies, experience and – most importantly – what you look for in a love interest. After that, they’ll do the job of matching you up with a compatible person and arranging that all-important first date.
The main advantage of this more traditional dating agency is that, other than that first date, you don’t have to spend any time on it. Online dating requires you to spend much of your week scrolling through profiles and chatting politely with potential dates. Matchmaking is also a preferred alternative to online dating if you are concerned about confidentiality and prefer not to have your personal information on the internet.
The disadvantage? Matchmaking services typically charge high subscription fees – and are still no guarantee that you’ll meet that perfect person.
Tip 4: Give yourself a break
What’s with vacations that get us in the mood for love? Maybe it’s the sun, the scenery, or the free cocktails. Whatever the reason, a beautiful getaway can provide the perfect setting to build a romance. Plus, vacationing as a single senior gives you the power to dictate your own itinerary and tick off all those bucket list experiences you’ve always dreamed of.
If there’s a part of the world you’ve always wanted to visit, but never had the chance, why not book one? If you can get a few friends in, great – but don’t rule out the option of traveling alone, especially if you’re booking with a provider like Saga, which specializes in travel for seniors. Traveling alone can seem a little daunting, but it’s one of the best ways to meet new people.
Tip 5: Join a club or activity group
Not keen on the idea of online dating or matchmaking services? No problem. You can still indulge yourself and meet new people by taking up a hobby or group activity. Not only is this a great way to make friends and meet a potential new love interest, it’s also a great way to stay busy, active and involved later in life and into retirement.
Join a book club and you can boost your gray matter, fill your bookshelves and meet like-minded people. Take a cooking class and you can impress your family and friends with your delicious new creations – and maybe have a little flirting while you learn to flambé. Other activities well suited to seniors include crafts, educational classes or lectures on a particular language or period of history, singing in a choir, and joining a film or theater club that organizes regular outings.
Tip 6: Enjoy it
Any final advice for dating as a senior? Enjoy the experience, have fun and don’t feel pressured to settle down quickly or doubt yourself about where a relationship is going. Casual dating in your 50s and 60s (and beyond) can be a huge self-esteem boost and a great way to enjoy a healthy sex life outside of a long-term relationship.
If you have an active social life that includes hobbies, travel, and making time for friends and family, dating can just be the icing on the cake.
If you are single and interested in meeting like-minded people, join Telegraph Dating. With over 220,000 like-minded singles, Telegraph Dating is the best place to find romance.