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 individuals.” “I typically compare it to throwing a bunch of fishing meets 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.”
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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. A 2017 newsletter published by the National Institutes of Health suggests strong social ties (like those formed in dating and romantic relationships) may help reduce stress and heart health-related issues.
- You can live longer. A 2010 study in Annals of Behavioral Medicine confirms the positive power of stable social surroundings, noting specifically that loneliness can lead to increased morbidity and mortality.
- You’ll help your overall health. The Harvard Second Generation Study reports how happy people are in their relationships has a huge influence on their health and can even help to delay mental and physical decline.
How Does Online Dating Work for Seniors?
Older individuals will have little trouble finding websites tailored to their age group. Sites like Silver Singles, for example, cater to those aged 50 and up. The following are some other popular senior dating sites:
- 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 a detailed personality exam or select 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 in Senior Dating Sites
Here are some features you can expect from most dating websites designed for older adults.
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” or a fill-in-the-blank survey that helps you communicate what you’re searching for in a companion. 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.
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. Words like “encryption” (which encrypts messages so that only the sender and receiver can see them), “scam detection” (which detects potential fraud such as bogus profiles and stolen photographs), and “sex offender checks” should all be avoided. You should be aware that not all free dating sites conduct criminal background checks on its members.