As Valentine’s Day approaches, dating over 50 looks different than it did in your teens or 20s. Instead of embarking on a bunch of life’s firsts, you’ve been there, done that and gained some wisdom along the way. Not only are you looking for different qualities in a partner based on your life experience, but approaching dating at this stage may seem somewhat overwhelming.
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To help, here’s a guide that takes a look at top-rated dating platforms and offers practical tips related to all things dating.
Top-Rated Online Dating Apps and Sites for Over 50+ Adults
Thousands of online dating platforms exist across the globe, but some stand out. Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of some of the top-rated online dating sites for people over 50.
Match
According to a Pew Research study, Match, which has been around since 1995, ranks as the most popular dating app for people 50 and older.
Pros
- Popular with older adults
- Offers live matchmaking events to meet other paid members
- Advanced matching features
Cons
- Free version may leave a lot to be desired due to lack of features
- Paid subscription costs more if you only want to commit to a few months
- Users report encountering fake profiles
eharmony
Pew Research ranks eharmony, established in 2000, as the second most popular dating app for older people. According to eharmony, over 2 million users have found love on the platform.
Pros
- Uses a proprietary Compatibility Matching System to forge authentic connections
- Offers unlimited matches
- Has a safety and security team that checks out anything users flag as suspicious
Cons
- Free version blurs pictures of potential matches
- Premium plan pricing not revealed without signing up
- Users report scammers contacting them
Dating.com
Established in 1998, Dating.com allows users to connect with people from 40 different countries.
Pros
- Chat, video chat, live streaming and email communications available
- Multicultural dating opportunities
- Advanced search filters
Cons
- Some users seek friendship or online romance rather than in-person dating
- Operates on a credit-based system that can become expensive
- Many users report encountering fake profiles.
Silver Singles
The dating platform known as Silver Singles was first established in 2002, but it didn’t adopt its current title until 2011 following a couple of rebrands.
Pros
- More than one-third of members are 50 and older
- Personality test can be retaken if member feels results aren’t accurate
- Notifications when someone visits your profile
Cons
- Free membership has very limited features
- Shorter-term memberships are more expensive
- Users report fake profiles
Creating an Online Dating Profile That Attracts the Right Person
Your online dating profile should be authentic and share just enough to allow other members to understand who you are and what you’re looking for. Consider these tips:
Be Honest About Who You Are
Avoid posting older photos that no longer represent you or embellishing details to make yourself appear to be someone you’re not. Instead, tell your story by choosing flattering, recent photos and share some of your life’s proudest accomplishments.
Let Your Personality Shine Through
Consider sharing photos that showcase you and your interests or hobbies, such as a recent fishing trip, a flourishing garden or a milestone, like earning a degree later in life. Additionally, when you write about yourself, don’t be afraid to show off your quirks or mention your passions because those are the things that make you, you.
Keep the Tone Positive
Instead of filling your profile with what you aren’t looking for or negative past experiences, focus on what you are looking for in a potential date, which will come off as positive and hopeful. Being specific about the things you value and what brings you joy will attract like-minded people.
Red Flags for Older Daters
Dating can lead to wonderful relationships and should be explored. However, keep an eye out for the following red flags to avoid pitfalls:
- No interest in meeting up. If someone you meet online is only interested in messaging you over an extended period, consider it a red flag. It’s even worse if they don’t share photos or refuse to video chat. That means they’re hiding something, and your time would likely be better spent elsewhere.
- Withholds general information. It’s normal to share certain details about yourself and your life when getting to know someone and expect the same in return. If the person you’re talking to doesn’t share any (or very little) information about their interests, employment or details about their past, consider it abnormal.
- Moves too fast. If someone almost immediately starts using affectionate names, proclaims their love for you and texts you three to four hours per day, consider it a big red flag. Also, be wary of someone who wants to start messaging outside of the dating app, as this is a common tactic of scammers.
- Shares urgent financial woes. Often, scammers tell their victims they are in dire financial straits in an attempt to get money. Requests for person-to-person payments, gift cards or wire transfers are a huge red flag.
- Asks you to invest in cryptocurrency or another opportunity with a building sense of urgency. This is a well-known scam. Walk away.
- Requests sensitive images. No matter how you think you feel about someone, do not send them any sensitive images of yourself. Unfortunately, scammers will use these types of photos to extort money from their victims.
Other Ways To Find Dates When You’re Over 50
If online dating isn’t for you or you just want to keep your options open, here are some other ideas for meeting someone new:
- Look for nearby group activities to attend, such as Meetup’s Over 50 group listing.
- See if community colleges or community centers in your area offer classes for older adults.
- Look up social venues in your area and see if they offer dance lessons or other activities that will allow you to meet singles in your age group.
- Join a local club that matches your interests, such as sports or games clubs.
What Experts Say About Dating Over 50
Psychotherapist Peggy Balcoa often asks her clients what their non-negotiables are to help them know what to prioritize when it comes to dating. She said this helped a widower in his 60s realize that mutual respect was his primary priority, which led to him developing a fulfilling relationship after years of doubt.
Tom Blake, a long-time columnist on the topic of finding love after 50, recommends that single people over 50 join social groups to make meaningful connections. He also has had his own experiences with online dating. He joined Match and Zoosk with his eyes wide open, and although he met his share of scammers while on the apps, he also had enough patience to stick around to meet the woman he’s still in a relationship with.
Why Dating After 50 Can Be a Good Thing
Whether you find a date the old-fashioned way or rely on dating apps and sites, dating at this stage of your life can be a good thing. Not only are you older and wiser, but you also have the gift of knowing what you want in a relationship. Allow this new chapter to unfold at your own pace, and enjoy it.
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