‘Senior dating’ is a loaded term, especially for those silver singles thinking about getting back on the dating scene. Let’s face it, ‘senior’ is a term that can sound, well, old – conjuring up images of romantic nights spent picking out matching walkers, or cozy afternoons spent at the bingo hall.
The Facts About Senior Dating
Now, while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of bingo, and while not everyone still enjoys the mobility of their youth, these stereotypes do paint a far-too narrow picture of what seniors are actually like. The real picture, as anyone over 50 knows, is much more complex.
Indeed, with AARP reporting that the 50+ age group is one of the fastest growing demographics in America (set to increase by around 19 million people in the next decade!),¹ it’s definitely time to admit that the term ‘senior’ encompasses a huge range of tastes, lifestyles and ambitions.
There’s more – with 40% of men and women over 50 single, widowed, or divorced,² the senior dating scene is also on the rise – and it’s just as diverse as seniors themselves!
And that diversity means that it’s about time we readjusted our thinking about ‘senior dating.’ But, if the old stereotypes have had their day, what is the best way to define senior dating? And who exactly is doing it?
Redefining Senior Dating and Senior Singles
At SilverSingles, we believe that senior dating just means dating for those aged 50+. There’s nothing old about it. ‘Senior’ singles are simply men and women who’ve found themselves single over 50 – and who want to do something to change that. They’re people who are looking for companionship and for new adventures. They’re seeking someone to come home to and someone to travel with, someone to have fun with and someone to get supportive with.
In other words, at its heart, senior dating isn’t old at all. Instead, it’s about finding someone to experience life with.
So then, is the senior dating scene exactly the same as the regular dating scene? Well, no: there’s one major thing that sets senior singles apart – freedom.
The Freedom of Being a Silver Single
Whereas dating in your 20s or 30s can feel like a timed race to settle down and have kids, if you’re among those seniors dating after 50, after 60, and after 70, you’ll have discovered that your love life doesn’t have the same pressures. Instead, you have the freedom to choose what you want from romance.
What’s more, if you’re on the senior dating scene, you have had the life experience to actually know what it is you are looking for from love. For some, that means marriage, while for others, marriage is a case of ‘been there, done that’ – and dating is now about seeking mutual support and affection without the added pressure of tying the knot. The great thing about senior dating is that you have the freedom to go after what works for you.
Senior Dating: How to Get Started
So, where should you start if you’re over 50, single, and interested in getting more out of the senior dating scene? We think the best place to start is SilverSingles – we offer a supportive dating service that can help you connect with like-minded others.
With us, there’s no more trying to meet someone in a bar or pub (only fun if you’re under 30!); no more hoping a friend will set you up (so awkward!); no more looking surreptitiously looking for a wedding ring every time you meet someone interesting (even more awkward!). Instead, we will bring interesting, compatible matches to you each day. It’s a fun, tailored way to make the most out of dating after 50.
So how does SilverSingles work?
1. Take our Personality Test
The first you’ll do when joining SilverSingles is take our personality test. The in-depth test is our way of getting to know our members – their likes, dislikes, lifestyles, and goals. It’s important to give yourself time to answer honestly, as this test forms the foundation of our matchmaking process!
2. Outline your Match Requirements
As you complete the test, we will also ask you about the kinds of traits and passions you’re seeking in a partner. Again, it pays to be honest here – after all, you want to give yourself the highest chance of meeting someone deeply compatible.
3. Complete Your Profile
Your personality test results are a great way to connect to like-minded senior dating matches. But to really make the most of those connections, you’ll want an eye-catching profile too. The best profile has a winning photo or two (think well-lit portraits that show your friendly face) and some interesting tidbits about yourself. Remember to be true to life – but feel free to showcase the best version of you that there is!
4. Start Receiving Matches!
Filled in the personality test, outlined your requirements and written a great profile? Then you’re ready for the fun bit: receiving your profile matches. Unlike some senior dating sites that require you to do all the legwork, SilverSingles brings your matches to you. You’ll get 3-7 compatible partner suggestions each day, leaving you free to work on a great first message and, in time, your first date!
Ready to take the plunge with senior dating? Join a community of fun, fabulous singles over 50 – get started with SilverSingles today.
About the author: The Editorial Team
Bringing you the very latest dating trends, relationship advice and news from Inside SilverSingles, the Editorial Team are on hand to guide you through the online dating game...