Dating Over 60

For a lot of people, the idea of dating and finding a new love is exclusively for young people. While it’s common to find yourself single later in life, it’s also common to feel intimidated or apprehensive at the idea of older dating. This is especially true if you haven’t gone on a date with a new person in many, many years.

You may think that you’re too old, that things are too different now, or that you don’t remember how to flirt and meet new people. You may also feel guilt about meeting a new person at this stage in your life. It’s natural to feel all those feelings, but it’s also natural to want to find someone who cares about you who you can spend time with.

That’s important to remember. It’s natural to want to date over 60. Meeting someone, getting to know them, wanting to be around them, and caring about them isn’t exclusive to young people. Neither is the idea of being in love and having someone love you. Wanting to date when you’re older isn’t strange or odd or different. It’s totally normal to want to find love and companionship.

Consider What You’re Looking For

Different people want different things from relationships. This is true when you’re young, but it’s especially true when you’re older. 

Some people may want a companion that they can go to movies and lunches with, and maybe the occasional vacation. Others are looking for passion and physical connection. You may want someone who you can blend your life with, or you may want to stay in your own home, have your own life, and periodically have someone to take out to dinner. What you want is up to you. There’s no “right way” to date. 

It’s also up to you to decide if you’re looking for someone to be exclusive. Will you want someone who is going to have coffee and watch movies with you and only you, or are you okay if they have other people in their life to do these things with as well? It’s really your personal preference and what you’re comfortable with.

It’s important to be open and honest with yourself and with anyone you meet. You deserve someone who is looking for the same things that you want, and they deserve the same. When two people are looking for different things, it can get messy quickly, so it’s important to clarify early.

Let Go of your Guilt

A lot of people feel guilty about finding a new partner when they’re older, especially if they were in a long-time relationship with their true love who has unfortunately passed away. These feelings are normal and natural, and it may take some time before you feel comfortable with dating again. It can help to remind yourself that you’re not trying to replace your former partner. You’re just looking to be happy again.

Allow yourself to look for new experiences, a new adventure, and a new person who will add to your life in different ways. 

Your friends and family may be protective of you when you’re trying to meet someone new. This is especially common if you have adult children. They may be worried that you’re going to be taken advantage of, or they might feel jealous of your new partner. Reassure them that you’re not trying to replace anyone and that you’re just looking for someone who makes you happy. It might take them awhile to come around, but there’s a good chance they’ll be more receptive when they see you enjoying yourself. 

How to Meet Someone

Meeting someone is often the hardest part of dating at any age. However, it can be even more difficult when you’re older. If you haven’t dated in many years, you might feel overwhelmed by the options. There are websites and apps geared towards nearly every kind of dating now, including seniors looking for other seniors. 

Even if you’re savvy with technology, you may not feel comfortable with using an app or a dating site to meet someone. If that’s the case, remember that this is about you and what you feel like doing. If you don’t want to meet someone through an app, you don’t have to!  

One of the advantages of older dating is that you know more about yourself now than you did when you were in your 20s or 30s. This means you know enough about what you like and dislike that you don’t have to deal with things that make you uncomfortable or unhappy.

If you’re not going to date online, let some of your friends know that you’re looking for someone, but be clear on exactly what you’re hoping to find. There’s a good chance they know someone, but they didn’t mention them earlier because they didn’t want to intrude.

You can also meet people at events and activities. In fact, this can be a great way to meet someone who has similar interests. Take a cooking class, join a cultural club, or volunteer at an organization that means something to you. You never know who you’ll meet!