Dating after 50 can seem daunting, especially if you are new to online dating. However, more seniors are having success connecting online. In fact, dating sites like eHarmony, OurTime, SilverSingles and AARP Dating are seeing rising popularity among the over 50 demographic.
With some guidance on choosing the right platform, presenting your best self, communicating effectively and transitioning to those important first few dates, you can feel confident and optimistic.
In this blog post, we will share tips from real seniors who have found companionship, and maybe even lifelong love, with online dating after 50.
Choosing the Right Dating Platform
The first step is finding an over-50 dating site or app that feels like the right fit for you. You have a few options to consider:
1. Mainstream Dating Apps
Platforms like Tinder, Bumble, OkCupid and Match allow you to set an age preference so you are only matched with other seniors. While they may not have special features for older users, they do have large and diverse membership bases.
Pros: High number of local singles, simple and modern interfaces, robust existing user bases
Cons: Younger demographic on average, less tailored to senior dating needs
2. Senior-Specific Online Dating
Websites like eHarmony, OurTime, SilverSingles and AARP Dating cater specifically to singles over 50. They tend to emphasize meaningful connections and serious relationships.
Pros: Targeted matchmaking, more refined profiles, focuses on users with similar life stages
Cons: Smaller user base in some areas, subscription fees for premium features
Consider what most appeals to you. Do you like the fun and casual vibe of Tinder? Or are you more comforted by a platform dedicated to your demographic with subscription fees that weed out those just looking for a fling?
Local keywords: online dating over 50 in Dallas, online dating over 50 in Toronto, online dating over 50 in London
Take some time to browse profiles on each option to get a “vibe check” on the types of people and interactions happening. Pay attention to the kinds of bios, photos and conversations you see. This can help determine if a site fosters the kind of connections you are hoping for.
Building an Authentic Dating Profile
Creating a dating profile is your chance to put your best self forward while still being authentic. Your goal is attracting matches who will appreciate you for who you truly are.
1. Photos
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Select a nice headshot for your primary pic so matches clearly see your face. Favor photos from the last year that accurately reflect your appearance. Honesty is always the best policy!
Additional pics can highlight your interests and personality through hobbies, travel, hanging out with friends and family etc. Avoid clichés like holding up a large fish. The people you hope to attract likely have an established idea of what brings enjoyment at this life stage.
Pro tip: Have a friend or family member take some new shots in flattering clothing on a nice camera. Good lighting and quality go a long way.
2. Profile Details
Get creative and specific when completing your bio questions and free-write sections. Consider including:
- Hobbies that shape your week: Golf, bridge club, volunteering, grandkids’ sports games etc.
- A peek into priorities and values: Family, faith, learning and trying new things, staying active etc.
- Qualities you bring to a relationship: Kindness, loyalty, affection
- Dealbreakers: Living far away, unwilling to commit
Use this space to set baseline expectations of who you are and what dating you looks like right now. The right matches will appreciate your self-awareness.
Do:
- Share 2-3 conversation starters to break the ice
- Be honest about relationship intentions
- Have reasonable expectations for age-appropriate fitness levels and appearance
- Proofread for typos and clarity
Don’t:
- Lie, even minor white lies
- Overshare personal details too soon
- Use clichéd or cocky language
- Include group photos where the viewer has to guess who you are
Put thought into what aspects of your life and personality you want to come across at first glance. There is an art to writing a sparse but compelling dating bio while also maintaining privacy.
Online Dating Communication
Once your profile is set up, focus on safe, limited and positive communication building trust and identifying compatibility.
1. Making the First Move
Stand out by sending messages beyond just “Hey” or “How’s your day?” Comments and questions about something specific on their profile are always best. Look for “conversation starter” material to break the ice.
Ask questions to establish baseline compatibility around interests, kids, hometown, travel and other less personal topics before asking someone out. Protect privacy and safety until meeting in person.
2. Moving the Conversation Offline
Transitioning to text or phone conversations helps take things to the next level. Consider giving out secondary communication channels like Google Voice numbers or burner text apps that protect your real phone number.
Video chat can also help move communication off the dating site at a safe distance. Suggest a 10-15 minute video date to vet compatibility before meeting up. Pay attention to mannerisms, conversational engagement and how they interact.
Set a boundary of meeting within 2-3 weeks maximum of matching online. This prevents over-building expectations that may not hold up in real life.
3. Safety First
While most people online tend to be well-intentioned, always put safety first when connecting with strangers from the internet. Some tips:
- Google search your matches and scan for any major red flags
- Meet in a safe public location for the first few dates before disclosing personal locations/info
- Drive yourself to and from first meet-ups or share location with a trusted friend
- Trust your gut instincts when something feels “off”
The right partner will gladly take extra precautions to help you maintain boundaries.
Transitioning to First Dates
The biggest hurdle of online dating is working up the nerve for that pivotal first in-person meeting. Here are ideas to break the ice:
1. Creative Date Concepts
- Farmer’s markets on weekends – walk around people watching and sampling vendors
- Parks with walking trails, gardens or lake views
- Museums featuring interesting exhibits
- Craft breweries, wineries or distilleries – take a tour then taste test their offerings
- Festivals focusing on food, music, holiday themes etc.
Locations that provide activities or natural conversation starters take pressure off that awkward “getting to know you” phase of the date.
As the relationship progresses, transition into classic dinner, movie nights, holiday concerts etc. But first meetings call for lower-pressure scenarios conducive to building chemistry.
2. Managing Expectations
Dating after 50 looks different than dating in earlier life stages. Have transparent conversations around desires, deal breakers and relationship intentions prior to meeting up.
Address things like past marriages, kids, finances and health conditions with candor and kindness during initial pre-date talks.
Once dealbreakers are ruled out, give your date a fair chance making note of any promising compatibility signals like shared values, similar interests or easy rapport.
Also, don’t be afraid to take things slowly when initially dating after 50. Let things progress organically without putting pressure on defining the relationship prematurely.
Success Stories and Staying Positive
If online dating begins feeling frustrating, remember senior singles just like you are making authentic connections every day. Here are some of their success stories that may inspire hope:
Sarah M. matched her now-husband on eHarmony at age 52 after being divorced for years. They bonded over second-chance romance and outdoor adventures before tying the knot.
Tom L. believes dating apps helped him break out of his rut after his wife passed. He felt encouraged experiencing the thrill of first dates again with incredible women.
Divorcée Elaine C. describes meeting her partner “Richard” as the best surprise she found by not giving up. After taking a risk messaging him first, they instantly clicked.
Stay positive knowing people like you navigated the world of online dating over 50 and came out the other side happier. Patience, reasonable expectations and a little luck play crucial roles.
While it may take kissing some frogs before finding your prince or princess, trust that putting yourself out there is worth the effort. The connections are waiting – you simply have to take that crucial first step!
Conclusion
Online dating removes many traditional barriers senior singles used to face. Location restrictions, small social circles and lack of potential partners are no longer obstacles with modern dating sites and apps.
By choosing a platform that caters to your priorities and demographic, crafting an authentic profile, communicating safely and transitioning thoughtfully to first dates, you are setting the stage for satisfying relationships.
It is completely normal to feel some nerves. But approach over 50 dating as a fresh adventure with unlimited possibilities waiting around the corner!