Back in the Dating Game: Tips for Singles Over 50

Back in the dating game over 50

By Keri Lunt Stevens –

Are you ready to date now that your kids are out of the house? Are you finally in a place in your career where you can see yourself settling down? Are you excited to move forward? Whatever your reason for joining the dating game after 50, we’ve got a newsflash for you: things have changed. Not only are the methods of dating different but this time around you and your suitors likely have a more mature checklist in mind. To ease your way back into the market, consider these on and offline tips:

Online Dating Profiles

From busy careers to family responsibilities, it’s no secret that signing into your online dating profile every night is easier than showing up at some pub in downtown Toronto. Plus, with the negative stigmas no longer attached, the selection in online dating has grown tremendously in the last few years. According to YouGov Research Director James McCoy, attitudes are changing toward online dating, and more singles are willing to give it a try. Furthermore, seven-in-ten people who are not currently active in the online dating world would consider joining in the future. And, according to the Pew Research Center, one-in-ten Americans uses at least one online dating platform.

fall scents for your home

So to join the game, what do you do? Upgrading your old technology is a good place to start. Even though you will do most of your dating offline, exchanging stats online is an easy way to weed out any non-contenders. Consider investing in an iPad or iPhone because they are intuitive and easy to use or at least get something with 3 or 4G. This is important because correspondence won’t just take place when you’re at home and the dishes are done at night. You want to be able to connect with other singles who may have time to meet for a coffee break or who have invited you to an impromptu speed dating event.

So now that you have the right tech equipment, what dating sites should you join? Aside from the respectable regulars like eHarmony and Match.com, consider trying one of these:

  • OurTime: A clean and user-friendly site, OurTime is a 50-plus dating platform designed for singles looking for companionship and love. The registration process is straight-forward and quick with room for basic information and “just-like-to-add” content. Membership and use of the site is free, although access to more advanced features requires an upgrade to a paid account.
  • Meetup: A site designed to bring people together, Meetup for singles over 50 has more than 70,000 members in 18 different countries. Groups are categorized by city, and then broken into different types of activities based on interest. For example, meetup topics include travel, newly divorced, adventure, museum hopping and new in town.

Offline Dating

For all the effort an online profile requires, it’s ironic that it’s only necessary to score you that first date. From there, it’s up to you. If you want to impress your date, you may need a new wardrobe. No, not a complete rehaul, but at least a few pieces to make you feel like a million bucks. Meeting a potential pursuer offline can be scary, and it requires thick skin and a sense of humor. Soften the experience with a new cardigan or piece of statement jewelry to make you feel confident. Aim for an outfit that’s comfortable and classy, but still says you’re single and ready to mingle.

 

Keri Lunt Stevens is a trained journalist who dabbles in editing, blogging and content marketing. Her experience ranges from entertainment and community news to personal money management and budget travel. She has unabashed dreams to inform and inspire, but secretly just aims to help readers stop being stupid with their money. Keri spends her free time planning future trip itineraries, biking, reading, and trying to figure out how to earn more air miles.

2 thoughts on “Back in the Dating Game: Tips for Singles Over 50”

  1. Great ideas and there’s also the fact that the older woman probably has friends who have used or are using online dating groups so it is handy to have a talk about their experiences good and bad and and the pitfalls and expectations.

  2. Pingback: Don’t Wait Until You’re Invited to a Wedding - to Dance - LivingBetter50 - LivingBetter50

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back in the Dating Game: Tips for Singles Over 50
Scroll to Top