It’s said that youth is wasted on the young. So is dating. As we get older, we finally know exactly who we are and what we want in a partner. There’s less emphasis on marriage and a deeper desire for close companionship — which is essentially dating stripped of pressure and head games.
Maybe that’s why research has found that every age demographic reported a reduction in people who have a romantic partner — except for Americans 55 and older, who “are more likely to have a spouse or partner than younger adults.” Why? In part, because it’s easier than ever to make connections. Online dating is now a thriving, mainstream way to meet people of all ages and affiliations.
Sure, it can be overwhelming. But some sites specialize in our age demographic and are committed to safe and secure interactions — online and in person. All you need is access to the internet and a wee bit of courage. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
SeniorMatch
There’s a lot to like here. For starters, they don’t allow members under the age of 45. That’s to “maintain a consistent age range dedicated specifically to mature members interested in meeting others online.” Also, you don’t have to dive into the deep end right away. You can connect with men or women who are just looking for activity partners (biking or the movies, etc.), travel mates or simple companionship. The site boasts more than a million members and thousands of success stories.
Silver Singles
Silver Singles is an international dating company, but you can tailor your search to any geographical area. Take the personality test (it involves more than just similar tastes; you also get to specify values and morals), then you’ll get matched with three to seven compatible individuals every day. Consider the ice broken, because you already know you have lots in common. They’ll keep sending you candidates until you’ve met someone special.
Senior Friend Finder
There’s plenty to unpack here. Not only can you connect with other singles over 60 where you live, you can also join larger chat rooms to make new friends in other cities and states. Senior Friend Finder reviews every profile to make sure its service is safe and secure. The site offers plenty of safe dating tips for first-timers, and you can use senior matchmaking services for extra visibility and access.
EliteSingles Senior Dating
Using a questionnaire based on the Big 5 Model of Personality (a well-known method used in psychology to identify personality traits), EliteSingles Senior matches you with people who are inherently similar to you. If they’re in your desired geographic location, then you’re both invited to connect. The company caters to people looking for a serious relationship, and 85 percent of its members have an above-average education.
Our Time
It’s free to browse listings of men and women over 50 who are looking for love (or just a dinner partner). Not only can you look at eligible singles, but you can see who’s checked out your profile. Our Time is part of People Media, which also owns SeniorPeopleMeet.com and Seniormeet.com. Your profile will be shown there as well at no additional cost.
NOTE: Most dating sites have membership fees. Make sure you read the fine print and call their customer service number if you have any questions.
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