Seniors and Dating

by Alden Smith

As we grow older, our outlook on life changes a lot. No longer carefree and adventurous, we long for friendship and companionship most of all. Many seniors have lost their ability to enjoy romantic feelings, probably due to the aging process, loneliness and a host of other things that get in their way. Dating as a senior citizen can be frightening. We have been out of the playing field so long we have no idea of where to look or where to begin. This article takes a good look at senior dating - where to begin, what to look for and what to avoid.

Where Do I Look?

It is surprising to know that what we seek may already be all around us. Many single or divorced seniors find others who share like interests in their church or place of worship. Because seniors often are involved in activities, places such as a card club or a volunteer organization is a good source for finding a person you can relate to. This works well, because you already have a common interest. Don't forget family and friends. They can be a valuable resource when you are considering dating again. Let your daughter be the matchmaker.

What About Online Dating Sites?

With the advent of the internet, just about anything is possible. There are a lot of good dating sites available, some free and others with a small fee, generally $25-50 to join. The price is well worth it if you find someone to enjoy life with. Often, the question arises about whether or not finding someone online is a safe thing to do. Some of the dating sites - generally the paid ones - are much better to utilize because they protect your identity, carefully screen applicants, and do everything they possibly can to make your visit to their site an enjoyable one. As in anything, caution should be your mainstay. Always protect your identity. Never give out personal information. Get to know the person before making a commitment to meet. A relationship can be established by casual email, allowing you to get to know the person better. If the person sounds too good to be true, they probably are. It is very easy for a person to misrepresent themselves online. Use the same caution you would use if meeting someone in an offline situation.

Free Dating Services

Although online dating services are great to use, some seniors may opt to use other services. Possibly they don't have access to the internet, or wish to search locally. In the offline world, there are the personals sections of local newspapers where you can view profiles of other seniors looking for companionship. Posting your own personal ad can allow you to meet others who are searching the personal ads as well. The beauty of personal ads is that you can read them, find someone with similar interests and hobbies, and then contact them if they seem to be a good fit. Television and magazines offer dating services which can lead you to someone of similar interests.

Senior Dating Groups

Local community centers that cater to seniors often have dating groups. This is an excellent way to finding new friends that live in your area. Check the county newspaper too. These groups are very helpful for the seniors that are a bit unsure of themselves. Often created around hobbies or book clubs, they offer a unique prospective through others' observations and ideas. These groups provide a place to discuss your every concern about dating. Often, they review the best places to go on a first date, and a place to make new friends of both genders. If you are uncertain about the senior dating scene, the people in these groups can provide encouragement and share their experiences with you. There is nothing like sharing your fears and concerns with people who have "been there, done that" to ease your mind about beginning to date in your golden years. Finding these clubs is easy. Look in local newspapers, shopping guides, and community bulletin boards, often listed at supermarkets and retail stores.

Senior dating need not be an overwhelming event. It is no different than when you were young, and starting out in the dating game. People that seek out others to share time and interests with are often healthier, happier and they also may live longer. A first date can be nothing more than a visit to an ice cream parlor and a walk in the park. There really is no pressure to dating during your senior years. It is simply a matter of finding a person who shares your interest and hobbies. Give senior dating a try. You may be pleasantly surprised.