How to date in your 50s and 60s

To all my forever young friends out there, if anyone has EVER told you that your 50s and 60s are not for dating, let me tell you, my friends… They are WRONG!

Don’t believe me; just yet! Let me show you some numbers. Don’t panic, fun stuff follows right after, I PROMISE!!!

According to 2020 statistics, 27% of men aged 50-64 are single, while 29% of women within the same age group are looking for a partner.

I know what you’re thinking! “Such a high percentage of singles out there!!!” Yeah! You heard it.

75% of singles surveyed in one study stated that for various reasons, it’s very tough to date in the modern world. Don’t worry though! You’re among the 25%. HOW? Just because you’re reading this article, that’s how!

Yeah, we’re going to find a perfect fit for you. Then you can make suggestions to the other 75% who are finding it hard to find someone!

Enough with the numbers; let’s go into the real stuff now, shall we?

Take the time to consider who your ideal date is:

Take the time to consider who your ideal date is:

Before you swipe right on your dating app, take your time to think if this is the right fit for you. Is it someone you would really like to meet? Or is this just another ideal person that everyone is looking for? Think hard, who is really the right person for your stage of life?

Compatibility is the name of the game!

Just some questions to consider when you make the first move in your new dating life.

What type of person would be complementary to your personality type? Who is someone you would like to hang out with? Be careful that you are not choosing people who have the characteristics you feel that you are missing. Young people do this all the time, and with a whopping 50% Divorce rate in the US, we know what this leads to.

Think about what traits would fit best with your kids or other family members.

Trust me, you’re more likely to have a pleasant dating experience if you know what you want from an ideal date in advance. I know you want the best experience, right?

Suppose you like to socialize. Even if you don’t, just think you love to socialize; for me, okay? So you would most probably like to go out with someone who also wants to be out with other people. Right? That’s what I was trying to say. COMPATIBILITY.

If you want, make a list of five “must haves” and five “deal breakers” for your dates to set them apart from the rest. We can not deal with everyone, right? We are looking for the right fit, remember?

Include whatever you like, my friend. Anything! Be it hiking, traveling, or anything at all. Perhaps you are looking for someone super lazy. Who am I to judge? Your life, your choice. Just go for whatever you like and want. There’s a match for everyone.

The Tight Five

The first impression matters whether you’re trying to win a business contract or the heart of a man or woman you’re interested in. In stand-up comedy, comics refer to the “tight five,” a series of well-placed anecdotes and jokes that set them up for the rest of the show.

Why not use it for our search too?

Just like the “tight five” that helps ease the stress for stand-up comics, you should have a light, prepped conversation that lets you settle down into the date.

Don’t forget to ask questions about their life and really listen to your date’s responses. Everyone likes a good listener, trust me. Or a good reader for that matter, like you reading this article!

This is the best way to get them to open up so that you can find out if they are really the right person for you.

Confidence

I know you get butterflies in your stomach when you think or have found “The Person”. Everyone gets anxious. Be confident and don’t let your excitement get the best of you. Lighten up the mood, reduce the tension on your date’s side, and set the stage for an enjoyable time and you are good to seize the day!

Get rid of the old duds

You need to feel awesome to attract an awesome person right? But wouldn’t you feel even more awesome with some cool clothes? I know I do!

So let’s get a redo on the wardrobe. Yeah! You drove many guys and girls crazy with your old sweatpants! I know! But my friend, times have changed! So does style.

Go grab something stylish, well-fitting items that make you look and feel like you just got your driving license. Check out fashion magazines or online articles for inspiration. Choose whatever you can rock in! If you are a woman, check out this site for some good tips What to not wear when you are over 50, Likewise, if you are a man, check this out Best style for men over 50

Take ideas from photos of people that are similar to you in age and body type. It always works. It’s a shortcut but an effective one I must say!

Dressing well does more than make you stand out. It boosts your self-confidence, and that’s what everyone wants in their partner.

Dating Sites for Over 50s

It is impossible to ignore online dating in the modern world. Despite its downfalls, it remains one of the most successful ways to meet new people. Dating sites are the norm for millennials and younger singles.

Don’t worry. I have got your back. Why should only the millennials have fun!!!

There are sites/apps offering a more conducive space to find love in your ‘50s and ‘60s.

Most websites are free. However, joining a subscription-based service can get a more tailored experience.

Check out 17 Best Dating Sites for Over 50s Looking for Love for some ideas. Go get’em!

Engage in New Hobbies

You’re still young enough to develop new hobbies. Aren’t you? Who says just kids or teens can have new hobbies? Anyone with a young heart like you can have new hobbies.

Learn a new skill. Join activities to improve your mental well-being and sense of purpose. When you’re happy, you become more attractive. Just try it out, and you will see what I mean!

Connecting with like-minded people who share similar hobbies and are part of a larger community makes it more fun! Some of these activities might include hiking, boating, cooking, book groups, or volunteering. Do whatever pleases your heart and wherever you might find someone to gravitate towards.

Don’t Forget the Old-Fashion Way of Meeting people

No, I am not telling you to throw dating apps out of the window but as you grapple with the modern demands of finding a partner, do leave some of your eggs in the conventional basket and look for a date the “old fashion” way!

Go for a family or friends hangout. Your friends and family may introduce you to potential dates, take a chance, there are a lot of happy couples that meet on blind dates. You could also join a meetup group such as Meetup to find a match. What’s the loss in trying, right?

Take a break before you rule again!

Maybe you’ve recently become single due to divorce or the loss of a partner. That happens, my friend! It’s an imperfect world.

Before diving into the dating scene and ending up in a rebound relationship, take some time and heal from the hurt. Rebound relationships often add more pain even to younger, more experimental couples enduring heartbreak.

So just take some time and engage in other productive or fun stuff before you return a stronger and more charming version of yourself!

Join communities like rocket50 where other 50 and 60-year-olds talk about everyday topics and share their hobbies and interests that you might find interesting.

There’s a lot to explore and lots and lots to be happy about. Be yourself, and you’re ready to rock!

Rocket50 is for people who love the idea of being switched on and tuned in at the later stage of life. Grow your skills, increase your confidence, and discover what’s next for you.

Join our 50+ community and partner with us every step of the way. Let’s spark a movement. Together.