Love doesn’t discriminate. Love knows no age. Love can knock at your door anytime, even when you least expect it. So, why keep online dating websites and apps only exclusive to young adults? Everyone deserves a shot at love and dating should be accessible for everyone, irrespective of their age.
Our society has come a long way from where it was even ten years back. The idea of people over 40s going on dates and using the internet to find love has become somewhat more accepted now than it was before. Don’t get us wrong. A lot of people still frown on them, but there is a gradual shift.
This is what we are trying to understand in today’s article. Are online dating apps and websites as favorable to seniors as it is to the young generation? Is it worth giving it a go? Is it feasible enough? Today, we take a look at how effective online dating is for seniors. Let’s find out.
Effectiveness of Online Dating Apps and Websites for Seniors
To start with, it can be extremely intimidating for people over 40s to get into the world of online dating. This is more because of how untrustworthy many people are of online dating. Now, of course, we know the stories of cyberbullying and catfishing. It definitely is daunting for older people to put their whole trust on the internet.
Therefore, some precautions must be taken beforehand and you need to tread lightly, at least in the beginning. With that being said, let us take a look at how the different online dating websites and apps are helping seniors find love. Remember, we believe love is universal and the concept of senior dating deserves attention.
Bringing Together Like-Minded People
The pool of dating options for people over 40s or 50s is limited in the real world because of the taboo associated with it. However, online dating platforms bring together these people in one single space where they can seek each other out without being judged. There are dating websites and apps for people over 50s, 60s, 70s, and so on. Yes, you heard that right! The internet is more diverse than you think it to be. To add to that, you don’t have to endure the hassle that goes on in finding love through traditional forms of dating.
Not only you will find people in your preferred age categories, but you will also be able to choose the kind of personalities that attract you through these dating websites and apps. So, a small scroll in your smartphone can introduce you to the love of your life.
It also should be noted that the candidates found on these online platforms are not homogenous by nature. They are as diverse as you can imagine them to be.
In sharp contrast to having to bear the courage to go to expensive restaurants, bars, and lounges to meet up people, these online dating platforms are bringing potential candidates for you at the comfort of your home.
This means that the taboo reactions that many people give to the whole senior dating scenario are also eliminated in this regard. As such, not only you will be able to choose from a wide range of options (all of whom differ from one another), but you will be able to control the outcome of the date, as in, what you would want from your potential date.
Minimal Emotional Distress
One of the fears that people struggle with is the fear of having to deal with rejection. When it comes to dating, the chances of older people getting rejected are a common sight.
While we aren’t saying that you would never face rejection on online dating websites and apps, but we can say for certain that the intensity of rejection that is associated in approaching or asking out someone online is significantly less than through traditional means.
This is primarily because the online atmosphere is more casual and relaxed and requires less emotional investment from your end. The progress in any online relationship is gradual by nature, which makes the pacing of adjustment smooth. In addition, you don’t have to deal with the anxiety and nervousness that you otherwise would have felt while meeting people in real life dating situations.
Positive Psychological Well-Being
Many people, once they cross the age of 40, suffer from a mid-life crisis. There is a feeling of an existential void in the lives. This is very much similar to what teenagers feel like (albeit to a different degree) wherein they think that nobody can understand them and there is an increased sense of loneliness that dwells inside them. This is not a healthy situation at all.
This situation is taken care of in a very positive light through online dating as it provides you with the opportunity for socializing, which can boost your mental health to a great degree. In a study conducted by Annals of Family Medicine, it was seen social contact can play a positive role in the lives of older people who showcase signs of depression. They can experience a lift in their mood and quality of life through it.
Besides, when you can find love (that too with the level of ease that online dating websites and apps provide you), a lot of improvements is seen in your physical health as well. Socially well-connected individuals over the age of 40s are more likely to live a longer life than those who are socially isolated, and the whole concept of online dating lies in building social connections. So, believe it or not, you would be less vulnerable to diseases of arthritis, osteoporosis, and lower blood pressure, among others, when you are with a healthy life partner, which online dating helps you in finding.
It might be a slow process and initially, you might find it a bit awkward, but once you get the hang of it, you will soon realize that the possibilities of online dating for seniors are endless. So, don’t deprive yourself of the beautiful experience. Love yourself!
Senior Outlook Today is your go-to source for information, inspiration, and connection as you navigate the later years of life. Our team of experts and writers is dedicated to providing relevant and engaging content for seniors, covering topics such as health and wellness, finances, technology and travel.
