What Is Senior Dating?
Senior dating caters to those who are over the age of 50 and have very different needs—and interests—than younger singles. Some seniors, for example, may be looking for a potential match, while others may simply want to meet up with someone to go to events with, go out to eat with, or spend evenings at the movies with.
According to Lundgren, “dating apps provide an almost overwhelming possibility to meet new people.” “I typically compare it to throwing a bunch of fishing hooks into a pond.” You have no idea which line will catch on, but you put it out there anyhow. It’s thrilling to consider the possibilities.”
Health Benefits of Senior Dating
The value of companionship cannot be overstated. Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects that partnerships can have on a person’s general health and well-being. Here are a few to think about:
You can help your heart. Strong social links (like those created in dating and romantic relationships) may help lower stress and heart health-related disorders, according to a 2017 newsletter published by the National Institutes of Health.
You can live longer. A 2010 study published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine validates the beneficial effects of a stable social environment, pointing out that loneliness might increase illness and mortality.
You’ll help your overall health. According to the Harvard Second Generation Study, how happy people are in their relationships has a significant impact on their health and can even prevent mental and physical deterioration.
How Does Online Dating Work for Seniors?
- OurTime (ages 50+)
- Match
- OKCupid
- Tinder
- Bumble
- Plenty of Fish
- Hinge
You usually register with your email address if you want to join a senior dating service. You may be requested to complete an in-depth personality test or establish interest filters such as “mature dating,” “gay senior dating,” or “older ladies dating” in some situations. After that, you’ll almost always be asked to upload a photo of yourself.
After you’ve completed your profile, you’ll start receiving local matches. (Each dating service has its own algorithm for assisting you in finding suitable mates.) Many websites allow you to message a match privately using an online message function once you’ve connected with them.
What to Look for When It Comes to Senior Dating Websites
Here are some of the things you may expect from most senior dating websites.
A Questionnaire
You may be prompted to fill out a questionnaire to assist limit down matches, depending on the site. It could be a multiple-choice “quiz” that helps you express what you’re searching for in a mate, or it could be a fill-in-the-blank survey. Questions about your body type, education level, smoking and drinking habits, religious beliefs and practices, hobbies, political views, and match preferences, as well as your age range, height, marital status, education, and other factors, are common.
A Detailed Profile
Your profile is your chance to show off your distinct personality. Users can fill out various fields depending on the website, such as their interests and preferences in potential mates. Make sure to provide information about yourself, but avoid disclosing too much personal information on your profile.
Privacy and Safety Features
Reputable dating services make the actions they’ve done to keep your information private and safe while you’re using their service public. Look for terms like “encryption” (which encrypts messages so only the sender and receiver can see them), “scam detection” (which detects potential fraud such as phony profiles and stolen photographs), and “sex offender checks.” You should be aware that not all free dating sites conduct criminal background checks on its members.
Cost
The cost of meeting a possible match is determined by the dating site. Silver Singles, for example, offers a free basic membership, but you can upgrade to a premium service that gives you unrestricted access to all profiles and allows you to construct a more thorough profile. The pricing arrangements differ from one website to the next.
Communication and Connecting
You can start connecting with possible matches once you’ve completed your profile and uploaded a photo. The choices for doing so are varied, but they frequently include messaging within the app or on the website, as well as the ability to make voice and video conversations.