9 Bits of Wisdom on Senior Dating in the 21st Century

Updated on July 7, 2015

Senior Dating, Older Couples Dating, Dating Scene for ElderlyNavigating the modern dating scene is a constant challenge for younger generations, let alone for boomers. For those over fifty, 21st-century dating can be an intimidating experience that looks nothing like familiar 20th-century romance. Here are a few tips to combat the sense of uncertainty you may be feeling as you embark on this new chapter of your life:

1. Reevaluate your deal breakers.

With decades of experience under our belts, we tend to develop a long list of deal breakers that help guide our romantic decisions. But if your standards are so high they’re beginning to starve for oxygen, it may be time to reevaluate. Hold on tight to your must-haves, but don’t let your deal breakers get in the way of experiencing someone new and unique.

2. Don’t get caught up in the speed of social media.

Social media technology has quickened the speed of communication, and relationships can now progress much more quickly than in the past. While it’s understandable to want to move things along faster than when you were in your twenties, the risks of moving too quickly don’t diminish with age. You and your potential partner have more life experiences to share, more family members to meet, and more entrenched habits and personal quarks to expose! If social media is moving things too quickly for you, try taking the relationship offline for a while.

3. Don’t give up… there’s more out there.

Whatever your age, dating isn’t easy. But with the emergence of online dating and an increasing number of connected, tech-savvy boomers, the pool of potential romantic interests is larger than ever. Don’t let a few failures deter you from staying out there. Be confident, be committed, and keep trying until you find the right person for you.

4. Don’t settle for just any dating site.

When it comes to the needs of the 50+ demographic, not all dating sites are created equal. Be sure to research which websites are recommended for older singles. Here are a few that we suggest:

5. Keep your online profile cliché free.

It’s not always easy to show your true personality online, but a dating profile full of boring clichés is not the best first impression. It’s important to grab a reader’s attention and stand out – and no one has ever accomplished this by describing their love for long sunset walks on the beach. You guide your own story, and you’re responsible for sharing it with others. Get creative!

6. Be cautious online.

It’s an unfortunate reality that scammers use dating sites to prey on those who are less experienced in the digital world. There’s no need to live in fear or resist online dating all together, but it’s important to always be aware of the following red flags:

Your date asks for money. The Better Business Bureau has called out a growing trend of seniors falling victim to dating site money scams. If your digital love interest has run into temporary but sudden “financial troubles,” while “working abroad,” that’s your cue to move on.

Your date asks for personal info. As a general rule: don’t pass on your financial information or any other sensitive personal data – especially if you’ve yet to meet in the real world.

Your date falls head over heels a bit too quickly. Scammers draw out vulnerability through the rush of a blooming romance. Be careful of those who are eager to take things too quickly.

7. Keep your first date out and about.

Whether for morning coffee or a casual lunch, be sure to plan your first date at an open, well-populated area. This is advice that’s always good to follow, whether you met online or in the real world — and it’s an effective measure of his or her standards as well! If your date recoils at the request, it’s a pretty reliable indication that he or she may not be a legitimate member of the senior dating community.

8. Go for a brave new look.

Refining your dating skills after many years is no easy task. Shock your system into action with a few tweaks to your typical style guidelines. Try out some new fashions, find the perfect contemporary hairstyle, or simply accessorize with a vibrant scarf or elegant wig.

9. Focus on fitness.

Boost your self-confidence with a new fitness routine. Whether through daily walks, healthy eating, or group fitness classes, it’s essential to commit some time to your body. There are many fitness apps and wearable devices that can help you set and meet goals.

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