Love & Relationships

9 Tips for Dating as an Over-50

If there’s one thing which can be stated about the middle-aged demographic, older people are just as likely to be living life to the hilt as anyone half their age. With people paying more attention to keeping fit and exercising regularly, over-50s are not necessarily growing old gracefully like they used to. If they have experienced marriage and families but found themselves single again, instead of resigning themselves to a quiet life of slippers and daytime TV, they’ll be registering with websites specializing in mature dating. Bars, nightclubs and restaurants, where younger couples have traditionally congregated for dates, are being overtaken by experienced singles seeking partners. If you’re over-50 and considering getting into active dating, here are nine tips to help you succeed.

9 Tips for Dating as an Over-50

Keep fit

As people get to a certain age there can be a tendency to opt for the easy life and not dwell on physical exertion too much. But if you’re wanting to make an impression with a potential partner, you really need to make sure you look after yourself. Basic exercise like brisk walking costs nothing. If you’re feeling more adventurous, join a gym or go swimming.

Expand your social circle

Over-50s are sometimes set in their ways, especially if they’ve been through relationships with children, and find themselves divorced and single. If you want to have the best opportunity to expand your horizons and meet interesting new people, take every opportunity to join social clubs. You might meet someone you really connect with.

Get into online dating

If you feel singles bars and nightclubs playing noisy music are the last places you are likely to encounter someone compatible, you can always rely on dating sites. The algorithms will ensure you are only matched with people on your wavelength. You will get to chat with a variety of exciting singletons.

Dress to impress

Again, just because you’ve reached a certain age is no excuse for going out in the same scruffy clothes through habit. A potential partner is much more likely to be drawn to you if you’ve taken some time over your appearance. Many fashion chains cater to the more mature individual. As well as looking good, this will help boost your self-esteem.

See the sights

A terrific place to get acquainted with other people in your situation is to travel to exotic foreign locations. There are so many interesting destinations to visit and what better way to do this than in the company of a charming partner?

Come clean about your love life

In this day and age, there is no need to be ashamed of admitting to family and friends you are actively seeking romance. They are far more likely to be impressed you still have a spark of enthusiasm about you! Far better to be open about your dating intentions.

Seize the day

Always look upon each new day as an adventure. Be prepared to embrace experiences rather than assume you’re somehow ‘past it.’ You’re certainly not.

Be mindful of intimacy

If you do get round to being intimate with someone for the first time in a while, it’s probably reasonable to assume unwanted pregnancies will no longer be an issue. But you will still have to practice safe sex. You can’t assume a new partner whose sexual history is unknown to you will be free of STDs.

Remember, fools rush in!

There’s nothing wrong with exercising restraint and caution when it comes to approaching a mature relationship. You’re not youngsters in the first flushes of romance. On the other hand, you can prove you still have plenty to offer the right person.