Senior Dating and Relationships

Summary: As a senior, the dating world can be intimidating, but it’s never too late to find companionship and love. In our guide to senior dating and relationships we share tips on where to meet other single seniors, what the best senior dating sites are, and how to stay safe while having the time of your life with your new flame. Estimated Read Time: 15 mins

The dating scene can be overwhelming at any age, but dating isn’t just a young person’s game. More and more older adults over 60 are jumping into the dating pool. Popular TV shows like the 80s sitcom ‘The Golden Girls’ and, more recently, the reality dating series ‘The Golden Bachelor’ show how common late-in-life dating is.

It might seem intimidating, especially if you haven’t dated in a while, but it’s never too late to put yourself out there and find that special someone. Our guide will share some senior dating tips to help you meet the right partner and make a romantic connection.

Benefits of Senior Dating

If you haven’t found “the one” as an older adult or you’ve lost your long-term partner, that lack of intimate companionship can take a toll on you. Research shows that social isolation and loneliness in old age can harm your physical and mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, obesity, a weakened immune system, and a higher risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease.

Sure, Medicare can cover mental health treatment and most physical medical issues, but having someone to spend your golden years with can be a natural boost to your quality of life.

Another benefit to dating as a senior is that you already have an established sense of self. You most likely already know what you want in a potential partner and relationship, so there’s less pressure compared to dating as a younger person.

How to Meet Other Single Seniors

If you’ve been out of the dating game for a while, you may be wondering where to start when it comes to meeting your perfect match. There’s no shortage of other seniors just like you who are looking to find a companion. According to a Pew research study, 49 percent of women and 21 percent of men age 65 and older are single.

Luckily, there are plenty of ways to meet senior singles. Many of them are the same methods you would use to meet people as a young person. Here are a few suggestions of how to find that special someone.

Friends and Family

Ask any friends or family members to introduce you to any other single seniors that they may know. The people closest to you are your best resource for meeting new people. They know your personality and would typically be aware of what you’re looking for in a partner.

Social Events

Another way to meet other eligible bachelors or bachelorettes is at social events. Things that you get invited to such as weddings or birthday parties can be a perfect opportunity to meet other seniors looking for the right partner. You could also look for local events at bars, senior centers, and libraries such as game nights to connect with other single older adults.

Shared Hobbies and Interests

Another way to meet people is through shared interests. You can meet people through hobbies such as reading, working out, sports, crafts, or the arts. Fitness classes, sporting practices, or your local church are great places to meet other single senior citizens. You could also join a club or volunteer at an organization for a cause you’re passionate about to meet people with common interests. Book clubs and animal shelters are particularly popular amongst older adults to spend time on a regular basis.

Senior Dating Sites

Online dating isn’t just for the younger generation anymore. A recent survey said that one-third of adults over the age of 55 have used a dating site within the past five years.

If you’re having trouble meeting potential dating partners while you’re out and about, here are some of the best dating sites for seniors.

SilverSingles

SilverSingles is designed for those aged 50+ who are committed to finding lasting love and meaningful relationships.

Unlike conventional dating apps that rely on swiping, SilverSingles takes a more deliberate and thoughtful approach. Instead of inundating you with countless profiles, the platform offers a carefully curated selection of potential matches, typically ranging from three to five per day. This streamlined process allows you to focus on quality over quantity.

What makes SilverSingles truly stand out is its dedication to providing comprehensive member profiles. Before making any decisions, you’ll have access to a wealth of information about each potential match. Additionally, you have the flexibility to prioritize specific qualities, such as age and education level, ensuring that you find your perfect match.

eHarmony

If you’re a senior who’s past the games and ready to find a true life partner, eHarmony could be the dating platform for you. With a stellar reputation cultivated over more than two decades and a multitude of heartwarming success stories, eHarmony is perfect for those looking for lasting love.

What distinguishes eHarmony from the crowd is its meticulously designed questionnaire and a user base that skews towards the more mature and experienced. While it does come with a slightly higher monthly fee, the advantages of its matchmaking service make it a worthwhile investment for those willing to prioritize their pursuit of a meaningful relationship.

Furthermore, eHarmony’s expansive user community increases the likelihood of connecting with fellow mature singles, even if you reside outside of bustling metropolitan areas. If you’re seeking a relationship that goes beyond casual flings, eHarmony is the place to be.

Match

Match could be the perfect choice for seniors seeking a more casual alternative to eHarmony’s more serious commitment-oriented approach.

This dating site has consistently maintained a diverse user base, offering a wealth of potential matches regardless of whether you’re searching in a big city or a quieter rural area. Notably, the 50+ age group is experiencing rapid growth on the platform, making it one of the top destinations for seniors looking to, well, make a match. If you’re a senior ready to explore the world of dating, Match might offer the flexibility and variety you seek in your quest for companionship.

OurTime

If you’re a senior seeking companionship with individuals who share your interests, OurTime is tailored just for you. While the platform offers a free version, it also presents various additional features available through a paid membership.

For those aiming to increase their visibility and improve their chances of finding compatible matches, OurTime provides the option to purchase “boosts” that will elevate your profile on the site. As a paid member, you’ll enjoy receiving daily “My Match” emails, offering curated potential matches directly to your inbox. Furthermore, you can express your interest in others by sending “likes” and discover who reciprocates this interest, enhancing your experience within the platform.

OurTime utilizes an algorithm to assist in matchmaking, but you have the flexibility to fine-tune your search criteria, such as distance, new members, height, location, or age, to suit your preferences.

However, a major drawback to OurTime is that you can only send messages to potential matches by paying for a subscription.

It’s important to note that most of these sites require a monthly fee to use even if they’re free to join or offer a free trial period.

What is the Best Free Dating Site for Seniors

Just about every dating website and app has at least some features behind a paywall. Most senior dating sites involve a subscription fee with some being a bit cheaper than others. The only dating site for seniors that’s completely free to use is SeniorFriendsDate.

SeniorFriendsDate is easy to use, and you can sign up and create a profile in less than five minutes. Anyone can message anyone for free, and there’s no limit to how many messages you can send. The site also has filters for finding dates in your area. SeniorFriendsDate is relatively safe to use as well since it has automated verification for detecting fake profiles and scam accounts.

How to Avoid Online Dating Scams

Unfortunately, online dating can be dangerous due to an increase in romance scams.

Over the past three years, the number of older adults turning to online platforms for dating has doubled. Unfortunately, as more senior citizens seek love on the internet, scammers are quick to adapt and exploit these opportunities.

While romance scams can affect people of all ages, they pose a particularly high risk to older adults, with those aged 55 to 64 being the most vulnerable. Shockingly, older adults reported losses of nearly $139 million to romance scams in the year 2020 alone.

To protect yourself from falling victim to a romance scam, consider these essential tips:

Educate Yourself: Read up on romance scams. The more you know about these scams, the better prepared you are to prevent being a victim.

Guard Your Information: Be cautious about what you share online, as scammers can exploit personal details shared on social media and dating platforms. Never share your bank and credit card information or social security number for any reason.

Conduct Research: Use online searches to verify the authenticity of an individual’s photo and profile, checking if the same information has been used elsewhere.

Take Your Time: Don’t rush into things. Ask plenty of questions and avoid being pressured into leaving the dating service or social media platform for private communication too quickly.

Trust Your Instincts: If something feels too good to be true, it probably is. Discuss your concerns with a trusted friend or family member. Block the person immediately if you start feeling uncomfortable.

Protect Personal Information: Be wary of requests for inappropriate photos or financial details, as these may be used for extortion purposes.

Verify In-Person Meetings: If someone promises to meet in person but consistently cancels with excuses, maintain a healthy dose of skepticism, as scammers often cancel at the last minute. Always meet in a public place for a first date.

Avoid Sending Money: Never send money to someone you’ve only interacted with online or over the phone.

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

In the unfortunate event that you suspect you’ve fallen victim to a romance scam, taking immediate action is crucial to protect yourself and prevent further harm. Here are the following steps you should take if you believe you’ve been scammed.

Report to the Dating Site or App: Notify the dating platform where you encountered the scammer. They can take steps to investigate and potentially remove the scammer from their platform, preventing them from victimizing others.

File a Complaint with the FTC: Contact the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and report the scam. The FTC collects information on scams to help track and combat fraudulent activities. You can file a complaint online at the FTC’s official website.

Contact Local Authorities: If you’ve suffered financial losses or believe you’re in immediate danger, contact your local law enforcement agency. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and investigate the matter further.

Notify Your Bank and Credit Agencies: If you’ve shared financial information with the scammer, contact your bank or credit card company immediately. They can help you secure your accounts and monitor for any suspicious activity. Consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report to protect your financial information from further misuse.

Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or a support network to share your experience and emotions. Scams can be emotionally distressing, and having a support system can be invaluable.

Remember that reporting the scam can help authorities take action against the fraudster and potentially prevent others from falling victim to the same scheme. Additionally, by protecting your financial and personal information, you can minimize the impact of the scam on your life.

Dating Advice for Seniors

Now that you’ve met someone, it can be intimidating to wonder how to keep the relationship going. Some good tips for a first date are:

Be on time
Wear clothes that are appropriate for wherever you’re meeting
Listen to what your date has to say without distractions
Don’t overshare

However, the key to any lasting relationship is good communication. Here are some tips on vital topics to discuss with your partner to ensure you’re both on the same page.

Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries for yourself and what you expect from a dating partner is important. Focus on what you feel comfortable with, and don’t worry about how others (young or old) are going about dating. If you don’t want to kiss on the first date, you don’t have to. If you don’t want to remarry and are just looking for more casual company, or vice versa, then that’s fine, too. Just be sure to communicate what you want for yourself in a relationship with any potential partners.

Consider Your Financial Situation

For some seniors, getting remarried isn’t so simple. Many widows and widowers depend on a pension or other form of income from their deceased spouse that they would lose if they got married again. A few things you may want to consider before getting into a serious long-term relationship are:

Contacting your pension provider and getting a list of written terms and conditions about your pension and what getting remarried would mean.
Consulting a retirement specialist or lawyer to help explain your options
Researching whether or not your social security payments will be reduced
Weighing the potential pros and cons of a new combined income for tax purposes and benefit purposes

It’s not very romantic, but it’s crucial to think about finances before getting into a committed relationship, especially if you receive a pension or get benefits that are based on staying unmarried.

Talk About Sex

Like talking about finances, talking about sex can be another uncomfortable conversation, but it’s necessary. The truth is that sex is harder for older adults. You likely don’t have the sex drive you once did, or you may have trouble performing in the bedroom. It’s not necessary to have sex to be in an intimate romantic relationship. You can still show physical affection by kissing and cuddling. However, it is necessary to communicate your expectations regarding sex with your partner to avoid misunderstandings and potential conflict.

If you and your partner do decide to have sex, it’s crucial to note that sexually transmitted infections and diseases can happen at any age. Have a mutual discussion about your sexual history to be sure you’re both safe, and always wear a condom if you have penetrative intercourse.

It’s a good idea to get tested before having sex with a new partner. Medicare covers STI and STD testing under Medicare Part B since it’s a preventive service.

Medicare may also cover erectile dysfunction (ED) medication under a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. However, not all Medicare Part D plans cover ED medication. If the Part D plan does cover it, it won’t cover name-brand Viagra or Cialis, but it may cover a generic version of those drugs per federal guidelines. Check your Part D plan’s prescription drug formulary to see if it will cover such medication.

Date Ideas For Seniors

When it comes to dating as a senior, the possibilities are as limitless as your imagination. A major perk of dating at an older age is that a lot of places offer senior discounts so you can have fun without breaking the bank. Here are just a few date ideas to make your time together memorable and enjoyable.

Go to a Cafe

Who doesn’t love a good brew? According to a survey, 43% of seniors chose getting coffee as their favorite first date activity. It’s easy to see why coffee is inexpensive and cafes are relaxing. Plus, you can actually talk to each other and get to know one another in a cafe as opposed to going to the cinema. Head to the cute corner cafe and get a nice cup of joe.

Go Out Dancing

If you’re looking for something more fast-paced, put on your dancing shoes and get down tonight. You can take dance lessons together or get right on the dance floor and boogie. Many venues host 50s-70s throwback dance nights for older couples. It doesn’t matter how well you dance as long as you have a fun time (and don’t step on your date’s toes).

Go on a Double Date

If you’re feeling really nervous, especially if you haven’t been on a date in a long time, it can be a good idea to go out with another senior couple to take some pressure off. You can go out for a meal or have a game night. Just don’t forget to make your date feel special within the group.

Go for a Walk

Going for a long walk is a classic for a reason. It’s comforting, low-budget, and perfect for romance. It also happens to be great exercise. Take a walk in a local park at sunset for a picture-perfect date.

Go to a Wine Tasting

Attending a wine-tasting event is an excellent opportunity to savor fresh local wines and gain insights into the world of vino. Many wineries also enhance the experience with small bites to eat, such as charcuterie platters or tapas, along with the bonus of live music. If you’re seeking an enjoyable, exciting evening for your date, embarking on a wine-tasting adventure is the perfect choice.

Put Your Health First

No matter where you are in your dating and relationship journey, your health should always be your number one priority. This is especially true for a senior, as older people are more susceptible to illness and injury.

While health issues can get in the way of romance, it’s essential to listen to your body and treat any physical or mental health as soon as they arise. Be sure to speak with a healthcare professional right away if you notice anything is wrong. The right person will understand and be supportive of putting your health first.

Part of taking care of your health is making sure you have the proper coverage for your medical needs. If you have high out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan could be right for you. Call the number above to speak with a licensed agent who can answer your Medicare questions, or complete our online form to compare plans and rates in your area today.

This article was originally published by Medicarefaq.com. Read the original article here.

Senior Dating and Relationships

Table of Contents:

Benefits of Senior Dating