Has it been awhile since you dated? If you’re just getting into the dating scene after many years, don’t sweat. There are new options for meeting someone wonderful. Many older adults are turning to offline services and online dating sites to get back out there.
Although dating is often associated with youth, there are just as many senior singletons looking for a kindred spirit. No matter what your age, you may be ready to connect socially. It’s never been easier to find companionship and share your happiness.
Social contact is important as we age. Recent studies confirm that social interaction is good for your health, physically and emotionally. Dating is a smart, healthy and life affirming decision.
The following 8 tips can help you find friends, companionship and happiness in your senior years.
The internet has changed the way we live, and perhaps you're often online chatting to people about all kinds of things. However, you don't need to worry if you're not tech savvy, as there is bound to be a friend or relative somewhere who can help you out. If you don’t have a personal contact, find a computer class. Most communities and cities offer computer basics for seniors. Going along to one of these can also be a good way of meeting people.
There are quite a few dating sites specifically designed for seniors. Many of them are free to join or have free trial periods. These sites are a good way to make friends and meet like-minded people. The senior dating sites tend to be less focused on physical appearance, and more geared to helping individuals meet compatible mates.
The beauty of dating sites is that you can meet a wide variety of people. If you wish, you can Google your prospective date before you meet. You may want to find out more about their professional career on LinkedIn.
Always try to be honest about who you are. There is no point in hiding behind an old photograph of yourself or pretending to like something you hate. Being honest from the outset will enable you to build a better relationship with the people you meet.
This may sound like a cliché, but age really doesn't matter if you get on well with someone. As people get older, they usually realize that age is just a number and has no relevance to compatibility. So, if you meet someone that you get along well with, age shouldn't matter at all.
Perhaps you're not looking for a serious relationship. It may be that you are just looking for a friend to go to the farmer’s market. Maybe you’d like to go out dancing or share a movie. You may even be looking for a travel partner so that you have someone to share your travel experiences with.
You don't have to stick to the same person to share all interests. One person may enjoy accompanying you to the theatre. Another is perfect friend for going out on country walks. Another may enjoy going wine tasting.
When you are older, trust can be even more important than ever in any relationship you embark on. You may own your own house and have plenty of savings. Financial considerations may be on your mind. You need to be sure that anyone you get close to is trustworthy.
Take plenty of time getting to know people, and never divulge any information about your finances until you know someone well enough.
Dating can sometimes be frustrating—for people of all ages. Be patient and don’t doubt that you can meet the right person. It may take you a while to find someone you get on well with. Don't give up at the first hurdle. There is certain to be a special someone for you.
People who date in their senior years generally have more to offer than their younger counterparts, as they have more life experience. You’re most likely not looking to start a family. Many seniors are comfortably retired, with no pressure from work.
These things take some of the pressure off dating. With a broader outlook, you’ll find it easier to relax when you meet people for the first time.
The #1 Take Away: Enjoy dating again!
These 8 tips can help you to embrace dating—even if it’s been a while. Hopefully, you will go out on a number of dates and perhaps even find a new partner to share your life with.
Most importantly, enjoy the process. No matter what your age, enjoy yourself. Dating is supposed to be fun!