Online Dating

Info and Safety

Online Dating

Online dating can be fun, exciting and convenient.  According to a 2022 Pew Research Center survey, 17% of Americans aged 50+ say they’ve used a dating site or app; of those who are partnered, 6% say they met their significant other through online dating.  About half of adults 50+ who’ve dated online cited finding a long-term partner/spouse as a major reason to do so; 36% cited wanting to date casually; 30% sought friendship; and 22% sought casual sex (OK!).  Popular sites include SilverSingles, OurTime and SeniorMatch (not an endorsement). 

On the negative side, women aged 50+ who have used online dating platforms were more likely than male counterparts to say their experiences were negative (57% vs. 38%).  About half of online daters ages 50+ (47%) said they encountered scammers.    

If You're Going to Try Online Dating (And Why Not?):

  • Don’t send money. This is a vital rule to remember.
  • Use a recent, not-too-altered picture for your profile.
  • Be honest about who you are and what you want; don’t try to sound ideal or perfect.
  • Be honest about your deal-breakers – and stick to them! (“Don’t like bad teeth,” OK!)
  • End communication with someone who won’t face-chat with you.
  • Tell trusted friends what you’re doing.
  • Google-search someone you’re considering meeting.
  • Meet in public at first.
  • If you decide to become physically intimate, first talk about safe sex.

Why Talk About Safe Sex?

  • According to the American Medical Association, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) for adults 65+ almost doubled from 2015-2025! 

Reflection Questions

Consider the following questions yourself or with a partner:

  1. What concerns do you have about dating now?
  2. What would you put into a short, authentic dating profile (even if you don’t plan to post it)?
  3. What are 3 boundaries important to you when meeting someone new?
  4. Finally, are you ready to date again? (Would you date you?)

Sources and Further Reading

Sources

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Further Reading

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