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No matter what age we are, there will always be a need for companionship, whether it be romantic or platonic. Many people over fifty might find themselves newly bereaved or separated, throwing them straight back into the world of single-hood. Then, of course, there are those who only begin looking for a partner in later life. Unlike decades gone by, it’s perfectly acceptable to wait until our forties or fifties to settle down. Whatever stage of life we’re in or our circumstances, it’s never too late to find love.
But isn’t it scary?
It can be daunting, especially if you’ve been out of the game for a while. So many things might have changed, not to mention the various warning signs to look out for. Ghosting, for example, wasn’t as prominent twenty or thirty years ago as it is today due in part to the convenience of hiding behind technology. Breadcrumbing is also another term seldom heard of and is a pitfall many older daters could easily fall for.
As intimidating as it might seem, there are various benefits to getting back into, or only starting to date in later life.
- Ghosting: The act of ending a relationship with someone by cutting contact without explanation.
- Bread-crumbing: Sending just enough messages/communications to the other individual to keep them interested, but never committing.
How can I get into dating over fifty?
Sign up for online dating.
Possibly one of the biggest changes you might face when dating over a certain age is the role of technology. Online sites have expanded the reach of dating sites tenfold, and connect you with people from all over the world.
There are various sites specifically for over 50s dating, helping you stick to a particular age bracket. Of course, you can branch out onto sites for all ages, however, having a specific age range helps weed out time-wasters and potential scammers.
But how can you find the one for you among a sea of potential partners? Going online allows you to set preferences, expectations, and can even match you with someone who’s interested in the same hobbies!
*Don’t rush to sign yourself up to every over fifties site out there. It’s best to stick to the one dating platform, especially if technology isn’t your forte.
Go local.
If online is really outside your comfort zone, you can go local. Although COVID has made it harder for singletons to find ‘the one’, it’s important to remember that there are various ways to meet local potentials. But, sadly, it might be quite a while before the majority of them are operating again.
Don’t force it.
No matter how you choose to progress with dating, it’s important to remember not to force it. If you’re not ready, then hold off for a while until you feel more comfortable. It might be that you’ll never feel ready again, and that’s fine too. Perhaps you’re looking for friendship instead, in which case you can still use dating sites, but simply state that within your profile.
Finally, don’t jump in too quickly. Although it’s great to be enthusiastic confident, remember your boundaries and online safety.
What are the benefits of dating over fifty?
Hopefully you & your partner have learned from past mistakes.
While there can be baggage among older couples from previous relationships, chances are that as a later dater you’ve also learned from past mistakes. You’ve been there, done that, and worn the sweatshirt. Maybe you’ve had your fair share of broken hearts and arguments, or perhaps you’ve been with one person all your life. Either way, the older we are the more life experience we have and therefore the more we have to go on when dating over fifty.
As older daters, there should be a higher level of maturity from both parties.
While many choose partners based on physical attributes, it’s important to remember that intelligence, character and maturity are also vital parts of a person. In fact, I’d say they are the most vital parts. One thing you should be able to find in abundance when dating at a later age is maturity. Or, at least you’d hope so.
Speaking from experience, dating as a teenager or someone in their early twenties is often littered with immaturity on both parts. When you’re young you don’t have the same life experience as those over thirty or forty. Our brains don’t fully develop until the age of twenty-five, so immaturity is so be expected. But when dating someone of mature age, you’d expect their attitude and emotional intelligence to match up.
You can expect them to be more responsible and independent.
Chances are you’ve dated in adolescence and early adulthood, and are all too familiar with juggling nagging parents and studying. As an older adult, all of this should be over you, so there’s no need to worry about waking Mum and Dad after a few drinks. The older we are the more independence and responsibility we have in our own lives. We work, pay our own bills, drive, and might even own our own place. That and you should expect a level of responsibility that makes sure you get home safe after a night out, rather than abandoning you for the takeaway across the street.
It can improve your longevity, and can improve your wellbeing.
A review of 148 separate studies found that those with strong social relationships are 50% less likely to die prematurely than those with poor relationships. Men frequently joke about their ‘nagging’ wives, but Dan Buettner’s Blue Zone research found that falling in love and committing to a life partner can add an extra three years to your life span. And not only that but various researchers have found that men benefit more than women from healthy, happy marriages.
But you don’t have to be married to reap the benefits. Even having someone can talk to, confide in, and enjoy spending time with is enough to boost your longevity. It’s not a secret that your mental health plays a huge role in your physical health, so having someone who makes you feel good and helps ward off loneliness is a game changer!
It can give you a much needed confidence boost.
With maturity comes a level of emotional intelligence and availability that younger partners just don’t have. They’ve grown up, the chances are that their self-centered bubble has popped and they’re available to give you the love you deserve. And vice versa.
Finally, falling in love or finding someone special over fifty can help remind you that you’re worth it. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you’re worth any less, nor does it mean you’re ‘unattractive.’
You can find love anytime.
I don’t see any problem with age as long as you know that you are ready then go for it. In this generation, dating online is already normal.
I am always afraid that my friend is not going to find love, but this gives me hope for her, amazing
This is great advice Nyxie, We all deserve love. I was so heartbroken when my Dad recently mentioned potentially meeting someone new. It felt like a real kick in the teeth to my Mum.
I spent a lot of time thinking about it, agonising over it. But I realised that I just want my Dad to be happy. I can’t offer him all the support I would like to, I can’t be there all the time and the idea of him being lonely makes me cry (I am crying writing this for goodness sake!!) So I think it is time to explore this with him, I’d love someone to help improve the quality of his life. To go out with, have lunches, weekends away etc.
Actually I can’t thank you enough for this, it’s really switched it in my brain. Time to stop being selfish and let him be happy. Sorry for rambling, bet you didn’t expect this comment!
Sign of an amazing post chick x x
I love this! Age is merely a number, you can find love at any age. These are some great tips x
Regardless of age, these are great tips for finding love. The wisdom that comes with age is bound to make finding love over 50 more mature. Great caution about jumping in too soon.
These are great tips. Yes love is important but we need to find right person.
These are such great tips! Time and experience really are on your side!
I think you can find love at any age! It’s very important to have an open mind and to give yourself an opportunity!
There really is someone out there for everyone. Age is just a number; love knows no age!
Aww..I am soo loving this heartwarming post. No one is too old to find love. Love come in any ages. Thank you for sharing this.
I think I need to show my mother this as she’s over fifty and single! A great read x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Wonderful tips. I think age and experience teach us so much and probably that go long way even when it comes to love as well.
Good read! I think i know now the advice I’ll give to my older single friends. I love the positivity and the happy mood this gives me. Everyone deserves love afterall. I’ll be sure to pass this knowledge to them thank you for sharing it!
Love these tips for people over 50. Love can be found at any age!
I love these tips! Thanks for sharing this and being transparent.
I feel like being at a more mature age some aspects of dating have got to be easier.
I have friends who are looking to date, and as we get older it does seem that there is more maturity on both sides. Definitely a positive!
I think it’s wonderful there are so many good online dating sites for people to use. I can imagine it would be hard to meet someone these days.
My mother-in-law is a widow. It has been nearly 6 years since my father-in-law passed away, I wish she could meet someone special again.
While I hope that my husband and I are together forever, I know a number of people that have found love late in life. There is someone out there for everyone.
I love this! You can find love at any age I would think. I always think it’s a sweet thing when people find love at an older age. My Nana Jo did!
Awah this is so lovely, I think people often forget that love has no age limit!! One tip I’d give is don’t act younger to be cooler and just be yourself xx
Dating sounds so scary to me now that I’m older and settled. I think it’s brave to strike out at any age!