Online Dating for Baby Boomers in 2018

Updated on March 26, 2023

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Are you a baby boomer looking for love? Have you thought about turning to online dating? Before you write off online dating as an option just for younger people, wait just a second. According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 55- to 64-year-olds have doubled in their online dating use since 2013. That means that if you sign up for online dating, you’ll be in good company.

Why Online Dating?

Online dating makes sense for many baby boomers. It lets you easily connect with plenty of other people – and you know anyone on the dating site is also looking for a relationship. Online dating makes meeting new people easier, especially when you’re not someone who often goes to large, social events. If you’re busy, work from home, or are retired, then online dating might be a great option for you.

There’s another reason to consider online dating as a baby boomer: Technology makes it incredibly easy to get started. If you have a computer or a smartphone, then you can use and easily access online dating. It’s convenient, affordable, and effective.

Tips to Get Started with Online Dating as a Baby Boomer

Ready to give online dating a try? These tips will help you to get started.

Choose the Right Dating Platform

There are countless online dating platforms to choose from, so explore a bit before deciding on one. They offer different rates, policies, and designs, and you may find that one type of online dating appeals to you over another. You might even want to explore some online dating platforms specifically for seniors, like Our Time or Silver Singles.

Take a Great Profile Photo

Your profile photo is what will help to grab someone’s attention, so be sure that you use a quality photo. Try to show off some of your personality in your photo, and be sure that it clearly shows your face. There’s nothing worse than an out-of-focus photo taken at a distance.

Be Honest

Be honest about your personality, your likes and dislikes, and what you’re looking for in a relationship. You’ll only find someone who’s a good match for you if the information you include in your profile is truthful.

Don’t Be Afraid to Make the First Move

When it comes to online dating, all bets are off. Ladies, don’t be afraid to make the first move if you find someone whose profile you like. It never hurts to send someone a message.

If you are the first one to reach out, do something to generate a conversation. Ask the match a few questions about themselves so they naturally have something to write about in their response. Tell them a bit about yourself, but don’t write a book. Remember, you’re hoping to start a conversation, so make an initial connection and then plan on chatting more later.

Keep Personal Information Safe

Never give out personal information online. This includes your phone number and address. Avoid posting photos that might identify where you live, such as those taken in front of your house. Be sure to keep yourself safe. 

Stay Safe When Meeting

You’ll need to keep safety in mind when you meet someone you’ve been dating online in person, too. Always meet in a public space, like a restaurant or coffee shop. Drive your own vehicle to and from the date, and tell a trusted friend or relative where you’ll be and who you’re meeting.

With online dating, you can meet people that you might never otherwise have connected with. It can be a great way for you to date others, find out just what you’re looking for in a match, and hopefully find love, too.

Lindsay Engle is the Editor for a learning resource center for senior healthcare. Lindsay loves working in the senior healthcare industry. Aside from her job, she has a great passion for animals and loves boating. In her spare time, she enjoys snuggling on the couch with her pets as well as fishing with her boyfriend.

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