Finding love at any age can be difficult, but the older you get, the more difficult it becomes. Whether you have faced the loss of your spouse, or divorce, getting back out there is not easy. You may have less energy, but a lot of younger people find love from their couch using an app. Studies say one in three marriages now start by meeting online.
While it has become the latest trend, dating does not have to be limited to online. Online dating can be rough for some people, especially since it promotes filtering potential matches based on looks and age. Older adults often steer away from online dating because it is portrayed as more of a “younger generation” thing. But, there are various ways to get out there and meet people. Dating does not have to be nerve-wracking. Keep it simple, and have some fun with it with these rules.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Smiling and keeping a positive attitude are attractive qualities. The saying that a smile can take over a room is true. You can meet someone while walking your dog at the park, or simply grabbing coffee at your local shop. Smile and strike up a conversation with a fellow person and use your similar situations as an ice-breaker.
Use Community Centers
Local community centers usually run fun activities, celebrations, and outings. Take advantage of these to get out and mingle. Seniors from different neighborhoods gather, and it is a great way to meet others, especially in a social gathering where you will not feel awkward. Many seniors will meet in these settings, even seniors in assisted living centers find love.
Get to the Gym
What better place to meet someone that is health-focused than at the gym? You can kill two birds with one stone: get fit and find love. Work out to remain physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy, while meeting people. Meeting people at the gym can help you build friendships, keep each other on track, and possibly build a relationship.
Find a Dating Coach
If you are too shy to get out and meet people, and you would rather not do the online dating thing, then consider a dating coach. These matchmakers will work with you, finding out all of your likes and dislikes, and what you are looking for in a person. It will cost you about $2,000 dollars, but these people are professionals and will provide personality tests that help match you with a person meeting your demographics. It might be a bit pricey for some, but can you put a price on love?
Try Online
If worse comes to worst, and you do not want to try any of the options listed, do not lose hope. There is the wide world of the web to help you find love. There are tons of online dating sites dedicated solely to older adults. AARP, eHarmony, Our Time, and other specific niche sites are offered depending on your preference. For example, there are sites catered towards religions, the LGBTQ community, and more. Some like eHarmony will administer personality tests and match you with someone based on the results. Generally, these sites will cost you a membership fee, while others are completely free. Do not be afraid to dive into the world of internet dating, a lot of people will find their true love online. So why not give it a try?
Happiness and companionship are important at any age. It will provide you with a better quality of life, and this is especially true the older you get. If you are ready to start dating, then get out there and seek your partner. There are different forms of dating; it is all preference and whatever you are comfortable with. You are not getting any younger, so get out there and find love! You deserve to be happy.
