The Quiet Perks of Dating Over 60

Many seniors don’t realize just how active the dating over 60 scene is. And with new ways to connect online are cropping up every day, the senior dating scene is only getting more vibrant each year.

For the singles coming back to the dating pool after a long time, we’ve decided to put together a dating guide, how to approach dating sites for over 60 year olds, tips for meeting singles and some insights on dating life in your golden years.

How Easy Is Falling In Love After 60?

According to the Pew Research Center and the US Census Bureau, there are almost 21 million single people over 65 in the country.¹ These dating over 60 figures are similar to the 20-30 range. However, according to Pew, there’s quite a large gender imbalance after 65 towards women.² But Pew and the Journal of Marriage and Family also found that only half of that amount are actively looking for a romantic partner, with men more interested in dating than women. So, these figures tend to even out, still leaving several million dating opportunities to explore around you. 

Is dating over 60 harder?

Dating after 60 isn’t that much more challenging as it is different. Older singles tend to have been around the block already when it comes to dating, cohabitating and long-term relationships. This gives them a more mature and constructive approach to dating, without the usual flakiness of younger people in relationships.

Everyday challenges for singles over 60

With your respective families and lifestyles, sometimes dating over 60 can feel a little complicated as you trying to find harmony between you and your new partner. This is why flexibility and not rushing the process are important. Don’t let your age factor into your search for someone truly right for you. 

Common Relationship Checklists for Dating Over 60

So, if dating is a bit different when you’re older, what exactly are singles in your age range looking for from a relationship? Here are some of the most common trends.

People often want companionship

Many dating over 60 are flexible about what they’re looking for from their romantic interactions, with many just seeking another person to spend time with and share experiences. For instance, older singles showed the highest interest in casual relationships of all age groups, at 24%.³    

Avoid playing games

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to dating, as senior singles tend to have little patience for games. Be straightforward about what you’re looking for in a relationship and the amount of time and space you have in your life for romantic interactions.

People dating over 60 have baggage but check it at the door

It’s impossible to not have some baggage by the time you’re 60. While you should be upfront about your romantic past, don’t let it become the focal point. Explain your current situation, but dating should be about your potential new relationship, not the old ones.

Make sure the pace is mutual

There’s no perfect approach but communication is certainly the most important factor for successful relationships. Ensure that you want the same thing from the relationship, that you’re both willing to commit to those romantic goals and, most importantly, that you agree on the pace of your relationship as it progresses.

How Singles Over 60 Can Get the Ball Rolling

If you don’t know where to start when it comes to dating in your 60s, here are some things you can do to start the process off on the right foot:

• Make a list of what you’re looking for in a relationship before you start dating.
• Explore some activities you’d be willing to try to meet older singles in your area. Stay relatively close to your comfort zone but also explore some new things. For example, reading clubs, dance classes, volunteering, joining meet-up groups and online dating.
• Don’t be afraid to reach out to family and friends for support and advice during the process.
• Be open to dating and social opportunities and be willing to say ‘Yes!’ when they present themselves.
• The most important thing is that you should be comfortable and having fun. Don’t settle for anything less.  

Exploring Dating Apps and Dating Sites for Over 60

While single people over 60 might have been some of the last to consider online dating as its popularity grew in the 2000s and exploded from the 2010s on, they certainly have taken to it with relish in recent years. According to the Pew Research Center, almost 20% of older people have or are currently using dating apps or dating sites for over 60.⁴  

These services are more convenient and cost-effective than meeting singles traditionally. They also let you get directly in touch with nearby singles who are actively dating, making it better use of your time and efforts.

eharmony Connects You With the Right Type of Singles

To make even better use of the time you commit to finding love while dating over 60, eharmony has specialized its services by only presenting you with eligible singles who you share a high degree of compatibility with on a psychological level and with whom you have a good chance a building a lasting, meaningful relationship, using our sophisticated Compatibility Matching System.

eharmony is exclusively for genuine singles seeking relationships and we maintain a very high level of customer support and security so that you feel safe and respected our platform. We want you to feel as if we are there for you every step of the way on your relationship journey here.

Joining is easy

• After signing up, complete our Compatibility Quiz. This is how our system gets to know you and the most ideal people to connect you with.
• Automatically fill out your profile with some quick question-answer prompts and add a couple of pictures.
• Review your list of highly compatible local eligible singles on eharmony in your Discover section. This list is generated automatically.
• Once you find someone you like, it’s time to make a move. Send them a friendly introductory message or use one of our special features like the Icebreaker to make an impression.

For Those Dating Over 60, Love Is Never Autumnal

So, while finding love when you’re over 60 can require you to be a little more proactive and willing to try new things to meet exciting new people than when you were younger, it’s certainly not difficult, particularly if you’re willing to take advantage of modern technology to find the kind of singles who are right for you.

Furthermore, older singles know what they want. They are often more mature and experienced enough to build a happier, more successful relationship on the right foundations. So why waste time? Find the right kind of singles today on eharmony. Sign up now.