Dating at 50 Doesn't Have to be Stressful
If you're 50+ years old, the idea of dating might seem stressful, scary, or exciting. Everyone is different, and there's nothing wrong with that. However, dating at 50 isn't the same as when we were younger. There are lots of new ways to meet people, and navigating all of them might seem overwhelming.
You want to meet other singles, but you’re not ready to hit the bar scene — been there, done that, ain’t going back! — or the Internet. So, what do you do? In this article, we'll go over different ways you can meet older singles.
As we get older, no one pressures us to get married like they did when we were younger. And we don’t pressure ourselves. After all, it’s not like we’re going to have any more kids! And, if we do have grown kids, they likely won’t want us to get remarried. Yes, they want us to have companionship and fun, but that’s about as far as it goes.
So, now that you’re single, how do you find other single people with whom you’ll be compatible and with whom you’ll want to spend time? Let's take a look.
Dating Websites
There are tons of websites that you can use if you're dating at 50. For many people our age these will be new, which can be scary or exciting, depending on how you look at it.
Most dating websites operate in similar ways: you sign up, create a profile, post photos and some information about yourself, and then browse other profiles to look for like-minded individuals to chat with. You can talk through the website's messaging platform before meeting in person as well. Be careful, though, because not everyone is totally honest on the internet.
Some popular dating websites are:
EliteSingles
If you know exactly what you want in a relationship, then this is the site for you. Members on EliteSingles aren't looking for casual flings or inconsistent coffee dates; they are seeking partners with similar interests you want a more serious relationship. There is a free version available, but those who are more serious might be interested in paying (it's roughly $62 per month for a 3-month membership).
eharmony
eharmony is a popular dating website for people of all ages. However, it's ease of use makes it popular with the 50+ crowd as well. It has quizzes for you to fill out that will help their algorithm match you with others, which is helpful for those who may not know what exactly they're looking for. There is a free version, or you can pay for month subscriptions (starting at roughly $54 for 3 months).
Match
Match has been around since the 1990s, so it's considered to be a tried and true dating website. On Match, you create a profile for yourself, and then other users can browse your profile. According to Mashable the site has over 35 million visitors per month, so the odds of meeting someone are high. The free version of Match is limited when it comes to communicating with others, so paying for a subscription is recommended if you're interested in making connections.
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Meetup
There’s a website I love to use called Meetup. There are thousands of groups on the Meetup site. All you need to do is sign up (which is free) and enter your zip code. The site lists all of the meetups within area you select. You just click on the ones that interest you to see what they’re all about and decide if you want to join. You can also list your interests and it will suggest relevant groups in your area.
When I moved from Maryland to North Carolina, the only people I knew were my daughter and son-in-law. It was exciting and scary at the same time. Once I got settled, the first thing I did was look for groups on Meetup.
I joined wine tasting groups, dinner outings, theater going groups, and golf groups. Within a couple of months I had made a bunch of new friends.
The golf group I joined is a singles golf group comprised mostly of boomers, with games scheduled two or three times a week.
However, having been single for 25+ years without the benefit of sites like Meetup, I had to figure out how to meet people I’d enjoy knowing. In that time, I found lots of ways to meet all kinds of people, of all ages, from all walks of life, including other singles.
Classes and Volunteer Work
One of the best ways I met new people was through volunteer work. It’s like a two-fer: you’re doing good while feeling good! I’ve volunteered in soup kitchens, worked in hospitals, worked with kids, the environment, and more. For a full list of organizations, head to the U.S. Dept. of State to find one that will interest you.
The best part is, people who sign up for classes and volunteer work are most likely interested in that subject matter. If you're also there, you'll have something to chat about and bond over. This can make breaking the ice a little less stressful.