Single Seniors: 5 Dating Tips for Older Adults

No matter your age, gender, or lifestyle, the one thing we all have in common is our desire to find a companion. As you enter your senior years, you need to remember that life doesn’t need to slow down just yet.
​
If you’re looking for love and are tech-savvy, online dating can provide opportunities you never thought were possible. Unlike in the past where you would have to hit the bars and know a friend of a friend to find romance, online dating platforms have made it easier than ever to connect with likeminded individuals. Whether you have gone through a divorce, lost your partner, or you’re bored with being a senior single, here are 5 dating tips that can increase your chances of finding true love.

Pick the Right Dating Platform

With so many dating websites to pick from, it can be difficult to know where to start. While there is an array of choices on the internet, don’t let this put you off. To find a platform that’s suited to you, it’s advised to begin by establishing what you want. Just because you’re a senior it doesn’t mean you can’t have some fun along the way, so whether you’re after something casual or long-term, know that dating sites such as Zoosk seniors are tailored to mature singles.
​
When picking a dating website, it’s best to check out ratings and reviews from existing users who can give you a better idea of what you can expect. Many online dating platforms offer subscriptions, so to get excellent value for money, research is key.

Be Open and Honest

Regardless of age, we all want to look our best when creating a dating profile. If your primary aim is to go on a date, you will need to ensure that your page stands out from the crowd. To begin, you should use current photographs that paint you in the best light. Even if you feel you looked better when you were younger, the last thing you should do is put pictures on your profile from 15 years ago!

If you aren’t sure which photos to pick, enlist the help of a family member or friend who can help you select photos that are accurate and flattering. Being open and honest from the get-go will increase your chances of finding romance, so choosing pictures that represent you correctly and being truthful in your bio is important.

Be Realistic with Your Expectations

When signing up for a dating website, it can be all too easy to get swept up in all the gleaming profiles that catch your eye. When you first headed out on the dating scene, the internet wasn’t around, meaning you had to take people at face value and see them as they were, whereas with online dating, there are a plethora of choices, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
​
It’s important that you are realistic with your expectations when it comes to finding a companion. While an initial attraction will naturally be at the top of your list, you need to bear in mind that you and those you are seeking to meet are at different stages in life. We can’t all be 21 forever, so bear this in mind when looking for love.

​Keep Baggage at Bay

As a senior, it’s likely that you have been through many ups and downs throughout the course of your life. With a history of experience behind you, some things are better left unsaid until later down the line. If you have gone through a hefty divorce or you have lost your spouse, you may have negative feelings that you’re still dealing with.
​
While It can be difficult to keep things bottled up on a first date, discussing the A-Z of your history is not recommended right away. Try and keep a positive mindset, and if you do have any baggage, make sure that you ease it into the conversation gently. Otherwise, your suitor may be hesitant to go any further.

Stay Safe

If you’re about to embark on your online dating quest, or you’ve found a match and ready to meet, it’s important that you stay safe dating both online and offline. When meeting somebody new, it’s best to choose a neutral place that you’re familiar with. Make sure that you let a family member or friend know where you are, as they may be worried.
​
The last thing you want is to meet someone who isn’t who they say they are (otherwise known as a catfish), so being smart and savvy when online dating is crucial. Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there who are looking to con seniors out of money, so staying alert and thinking with your brain (rather than your heart) will stop you from falling into a trap.
All the tips listed above can help you with your online dating journey, increasing the chances of you finding your soulmate. ​