Senior Dating: How Do I Date as an Older Adult?

If you are a single older adult, you may be thinking about dating. Whether looking for a romantic relationship or simply some companionship, there are many options for seniors to consider. If you’re ready to jump into the dating pool, here are a few ideas to help you find someone compatible.

Someone Sharing Your Interests

You’ve noticed a woman at church you’d like to meet, but how do you go about it? Perhaps you could introduce yourself after the service ends and ask her to join you for coffee and doughnuts in the church community center.

Volunteering, going to senior centers, participating in exercise and continuing education classes, and joining activity and hobby groups provide social opportunities to meet older people who are compatible with your interests. Let your fellow companions in these groups know you wish to start dating. They may know someone eligible who shares your interests. Perhaps the two of you could get to know one another over dinner.

Family

Your family likely has a different social sphere than you. Let them know you’re ready to start dating. Ask if they will invite you to join them the next time they attend an event or host a party. Tell them what you would like in an eligible person. Let them know whether you’re looking for romance or just companionship. Chances are good that they or their friends will know someone.

Special Events

You are probably invited to many special events, like weddings, birthdays, anniversary and holiday parties, and graduations. Don’t pass them up. These gatherings offer a wealth of opportunities to meet someone. Don’t be shy about asking family or friends to introduce you to someone who catches your eye. You could also be brave and introduce yourself.

Online Dating

We’ve all heard about online dating, and you may think it is only for young people. However, it’s gaining popularity with seniors. According to the Pew Research Center, 13% of adults age 65 and older have used online dating.

Typically, online dating involves using a website or smartphone app to create a profile to tell others about yourself. Several apps cater specifically to older adults. Some programs allow members to view profiles and “like” those they are interested in. Other programs use an algorithm to match those who seem compatible.

Not all dating services are created equal. Forbes Health identifies its choices for the nine best dating services for seniors and provides links to each site. It also explains what to expect from an online senior dating service and provides some features of most senior dating websites, tips for choosing the best app, and frequently asked questions.

A Few Words of Caution

If you’ve decided to meet someone in person, it is essential that you take steps to ensure your safety, including these:

• If your date offers to pick you up, decline. If you don’t drive, ask a friend or family member to drop you off and pick you up.
• Always meet in a public place and let a friend or family member know where you’re going. Tell them when you will be leaving home and when you’ve returned. Give them your date’s name.
• Never give your address or phone number on the first date.
• Stick to your boundaries.
• Never discuss your finances, and never give or send money. It is a definite red flag if you are ever asked for money.
• Don’t answer questions you’re uncomfortable with.
• If you’re sensing something’s not right, trust your feelings.

Enjoy Getting To Know Others

Dating after age 65 can be an exciting experience. You know who you are and what kinds of people you enjoy spending time with. So, jump into the dating scene and go out and have fun.

About Right at Home

Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated, and all caregiving staff are directly employed and supervised. To find out more, use our office locator to contact the office nearest you.