Dating at any age is tricky, but senior dating comes with a unique set of challenges. I recently re-entered the dating scene after my 30-year marriage ended. Boy, was I rusty; I hadn’t been on a first date in more than 30 years! With that in mind, I put together the following five dating tips for seniors with the hope of making things a little bit easier for others who are looking into dating for seniors.

 

1) Join a dating site that caters to seniors. Skip the sites that allow anyone from age 18 and up to join. Instead, surround yourself with those who are age-appropriate for not only senior dating but also for a long-term relationship. For example, 50Plus-Club.ca caters to Canadians age 50 and older and screens out those who don’t meet the minimum age requirements.

 

2) Get the first date over with. No, that doesn’t sound very romantic, but if you have re-entered the dating scene after a significant hiatus, you know how much pressure you can build up for the dreaded first date. Understand that you won’t likely meet the next love of your life, nor will you have the worst date ever. Odds are it will be a pleasant time with someone you may or may not want to see again. If the latter proves true, getting the first date over with just puts you that much closer to finding a match.

 

3) Just say yes. Once you get the first date over with, don’t be too picky. Again, that doesn’t sound very romantic, but the more dates you go on, the better your chances for finding someone compatible. Keep the first dates simple, such as a coffee date, so you don’t spend too much time with a person you never want to see again.

 

4) Make friends. Be open to being just friends. Sure, there may be individuals you’ll avoid running into after the date or you might meet someone who isn’t the next love of your life but could be a good friend. Just be honest about your feelings, and if he or she feels the same and is open to just friendship, you have everything to gain. Dating for seniors doesn’t have to be all or nothing. In fact, many seniors use the previously mentioned website, 50Plus-Club.ca, for making new friends just as much as they do for senior dating.

 

5) Just have fun. Yes, dating can be nerve-racking, but it can always be fun. Even if the person you are on a date with turns out to be a total bore, enjoy what you are doing. Don’t let a mismatch ruin a lovely meal or cut short an entertaining outing.

 

About the Author: Elaine Vernon writes about senior issues, such as senior dating, for a variety of Canadian publications. She recently joined 50Plus-Club and has already gone on six dates and made several new friends. She recommends the website for fellow Canadian seniors looking for a welcoming and authentic community.