Last Updated on March 3, 2023
No matter what our age, we are never too old to be looking for and finding love.
It can though get more confusing when we are in our 50s and 60s as it can be easy to lose touch with the supposedly modern way of searching for love.
With advances in technology, a whole new world exists out there for finding love and it can be daunting. So here are 10 tips for over-50s dating that will hopefully help you find new love.
1. Use Your Vast Experience
Before getting back into the dating scene, take some time to reflect on your past experiences and think about what did and didn’t work well.
You now have a tonne of experience, both good and bad, and this experience can be put to good use.
Consider writing down a bullet point list of what has worked well and what had not and what you want and do not want from a partner.
This will help you focus on potential partners who are more suited to your needs.
2. Consider People from Your Past (Who Are Also Now Single Again)
There are hundreds of people that you will know from school, university, previous jobs, associations, clubs, and neighbors.
And just like you, a percentage of these people will actually be in the same situation, in that they will be single and looking for love.
Many people find themselves single in the 50s, 60s, and 70s for a variety of reasons.
The children grow up and the parents grow apart mentally.
Or one partner might be unfortunate enough to lose their partner due to health issues.
There are many people out there looking for love in their later years and you already might have some connection and bond with some of these people.
That school reunion might be more than you bargained for 🙂
Just make sure that you connect and link up with those from your past who themselves are also single, and not still married!
3. Take Your Time
As with any relationship, over-50s dating requires an open mind.
The temptation can be to rush because you might feel that you have fewer years left and that it’s time to get on with it.
It is essential though not to rush into the wrong relationships so be patient but at the same time, as discussed in the other nine points in the post, get out there and mix and increase your chances to find the right person.
4. Try Dating Apps for Over 50s
Do not be afraid to try out some dating apps for over 50s and over 60s as they can actually save you a lot of time.
If you want to find a non-smoker, someone who loves tattoos, a dog-lover, or if you have other specific requirements, apps can sometimes help you to filter out some of these considerations very quickly.
Dating apps can save you a lot of time and some suitable ones for us older folk include:
5. Get Creative
Think outside the box when over 50s dating.
Try new activities or take part in different events so that you can meet someone with a genuine interest in the same pastimes and hobbies.
A fantastic way to find such activities is through an organization such as the U3A.
The U3A is an international organization that brings together people who are 50 or older and there are regional events, workshops, and meetups on a range of topics.
If there is not a U3A organization in your country, there will likely be something similar. Just Google search by a term such as “[location]+over 50s events”.
6. Be Honest
It is important that you resist the opportunity to boost your profile and exaggerate who you are.
With social media and the likes of Instagram and photo filters and the such like, it has become too easy to over-market ourselves.
On one hand, you want to make sure you market yourself positively, i.e. include your achievements, interests, hobbies, and best attributes.
But also ensure that you actually look like the photo/s you post on your profile and that your interests match the real you.
Honesty is a great way to start off with a new partner. Build trust from the start and find the better possible match from the start.
7. Love Dancing? Join a Local Dance Group or Dance Trip
If you enjoy or love dancing, this is a fantastic way to have fun whilst also meeting so many other people.
Social dancing (such as tango and ballroom dances) tends to be popular classes for the over 50s and can be great fun.
To find dance classes in your local area it is worth checking:
- DanceWeb
- Doing a Google search, i.e. for [dance type here]+[Your Town/City name]
- Checking Meetup.com
There are also various dance holidays (trips) and vacations that you can go on, with places often available for single travelers.
8. Practice Good Self-Care
Make sure to take care of yourself while over 50s dating.
This could be a great time and excuse to focus on your own physical, mental, and emotional needs.
By taking even better care of your appearance, buying some new clothes, working to eat even healthier, and exercising, you will be combining your new life of self-appreciation with finding new love.
9. Allow Time After Losing or Moving on From Another Partner
One of the biggest mistakes that some people make is to start dating again too soon after losing, leaving, or being left by a partner.
Allow time for healing, i.e. allow one year or whatever amount of time you feel you will need.
This will help you to ensure that you are emotionally ready and better prepared for meeting the right new partner.
10. Have Fun
Over-50s dating doesn’t have to be serious all the time.
Make sure to take time out for some lighthearted fun and enjoy what you’re doing.
Dating should be fun and not a chore so DO approach dating as something fun and exciting to do.
Not only will you have more fun, but you will have a better chance to meet the right person if you come across positively and as a fun person to be around.
Final Thoughts
It would be great to hear your own advice and tips so that, as a community over 50, we can share ideas and learn from each other. So please leave your comments and ideas below.
Hi. I’m Dr Valeria Lo Iacono, a lady in her 50s living in the UK. I write about the over-50s and 60s lifestyle including on travel, health, food, and fashion.
