Finding love at 60 can be daunting, especially if you haven’t dated in years or even decades. However, with a bit of knowledge, enthusiasm, and effort, you can create exciting opportunities for yourself in the dating world. Here are 6 ways to expand your comfort zone and make new love connections:
1. Online Dating
Online dating is hands down the best way to find love at 60. More than 10 million people 55 and over are looking for love online, so your chances of finding a match are very good. Seniors have begun embracing online dating in recent years, so you won’t be the only one seeking a second shot at love.
The three dating sites below are my top choices for single seniors.
Match
- Relationships: Friends, Dates, and Relationships
- Match System: Browse by zip, age, appearance, more
- Our Experts Say: Match has facilitated the most dates and relationships of any dating site, and its large audience and high success rate make it our top review. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
Match, the #1 dating site in the world, has more senior members than any dating site and a unique matching system that does all the hard work for singles.
eharmony
- Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
- Match System: Personality test suggests matches
- Our Experts Say: Accounting for 2% of U.S. marriages, eharmony's compatibility-based system and commitment-minded user base are ideal for those seeking a serious relationship. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
eharmony.com is a great choice for seniors looking for a long-term relationship. The online dating site and app have an in-depth personality test that makes the matching process extremely accurate.
OurTime.com
- Relationships: Dates and Relationships
- Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
- Our Experts Say: OurTime is well-known in the over-50 dating crowd, particularly because it has a ton of helpful search features and an easy layout. Our Review »
- Browse Free: View Photos Now
OurTime is an affordable dating site specifically geared toward singles 50 and older, and it has a clean interface that makes it easy to sign up, create a profile, and start searching for like-minded people right away.
2. Facebook
Many romances have started because former high school or college classmates reunited on Facebook. You can also stay up to date on the relationship statuses of those on your friends list. Your friends and family may even introduce you to someone new from their circle of friends.
Facebook Dating launched in the U.S. in 2019, and it has been taking the dating world by storm so far. Its matchmaking tools can reach a vast population and inspire relationships based on similar likes and dislikes.
While social media is not a substitute for spending time with someone in real life, it can be a safe way to start a conversation. Plus, you’re likely to get invited to some offline events via your connections. Better yet, you could host an event yourself and invite as many people as possible.
3. Meetup Groups
Meetup groups are good for introducing yourself to new people and learning new skills in an organic way. Search Meetup.com for events in your area, like book clubs, art gallery hops, and speed dating, and attend a few. It can often feel less risky to meet others in a group setting. If you don’t connect with anyone or don’t enjoy the vibe of the group, feel free to try another one or move on to one of the other options on this list.
4. Social Events
Look beyond the obvious. Have you considered that there’s probably a lot more going on in your city than you realize? A simple Google search, like “community events (your city)” or “things to do in (your city)”, can provide you with information on a variety of local festivals, seminars, concerts, and more that you might enjoy.
Eventbrite is full of social events where singles are plentiful and romance is in the air. All you have to do is say hi.
Be willing to try something new, and don’t be afraid to go alone to public gatherings. A client of mine went by herself to a local Greek festival and met a man while standing in line to get lunch. They talked and laughed while waiting for their food, sat down, ate together, and then decided to go on a date.
5. Volunteering
Give a little love and get some back in return. This can be a prime time in your life to get involved in a cause you deeply believe in. You’ll have an opportunity to meet people who share a common interest. Another client of mine went to a fundraiser for Ethiopian women and met several fascinating people who invited her to other social engagements.
6. The Gym or a Health Club
Get moving! If you’re physically active, the health club or gym can be a potential hot-spot. Many facilities even offer classes specifically for seniors. You can simply smile, make eye contact, or ask an attractive stranger a question about the class. Why not flirt a little while staying fit?
The gym can be an active dating ground, especially if you join a class (yoga, anyone?) that caters to your age group.
There Are Lots of Ways to Meet People & Find Love at 60
As you come across new experiences and people, you’re building up your social life. In turn, you’ll be seen as vibrant and intriguing to members of the opposite sex, and they’ll want to spend time with you. Don’t get attached to the outcome of any one particular interaction, and approach things with lightness and a sense of humor.
Stay open to new things and go beyond your comfort zone. It might feel a little scary at first, but the rewards will be worth it. You’ll soon see that dating, love, and romance is just as much fun at 60 as it was at 20.
