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If you’ve been curious about the world of online dating, especially as a senior, you may have heard of a site called OurTime. Owned by Match Group, OurTime currently has around 8.9 million monthly users worldwide, and that makes it seem like a great choice for daters who are looking to put themselves out there. But is OurTime a good dating site compared with the competition? Here are a few things worth knowing about OurTime before joining up and starting a profile.
Review | Alternatives | FAQs
1. It’s Designed Exclusively for 50+ Singles
Online dating may be a little confusing or intimidating for a senior who’s only met other people the traditional way. But OurTime was created with its user base in mind. The platform makes it simple to set up a profile and offers great site navigation for those who want to jump right in.
Relationships: Dates and Relationships
Match System: Search by profiles by zip and more
Our Experts Say: “OurTime is our top choice for free senior dating, with a simple interface and tons of mature and senior users. Its site, app, and free trial are for those 50 and older only…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
48%*
52%*
|
8.9 Million* | Over 50? Start FREE |
How did OurTime get its start? The website launched in 2011 and was initially geared toward baby boomers who were lively, active, and single. Now, it’s a good site for Gen Xers seeking mature relationships. It’s never too late to find love, and niche sites like OurTime are a great way to connect with like-minded people. Unlike other dating sites out there, you’re more likely to find companionship and a no-pressure relationship with someone who may also be trying to make connections in their later years.
OurTime was initially run by People Media until it was bought out by Match Group and became part of Match’s portfolio. The move was a good one since Match is pretty much responsible for making online dating popular. The group knows how to help individuals get the most out of their experience. Consider OurTime to be much like a version of Match tailored to an older and more established crowd.
While OurTime can be accessed in many countries, its primary audience is located in the United States. Out of the 8.9 million active users, approximately 7.7 million of them live in America.
2. The App is Easy for Seniors to Navigate
While some sites like to impress their user base with a flashy site and complex navigation, OurTime knows its audience. Everything is fairly easy to find, and the site has a larger print to help senior daters. The dating service will guide you through the steps to create a profile and, hopefully, match with plenty of eligible seniors.
Once you log in, you can start building the basics of your profile. One of the most important aspects will be your photo. Don’t worry too much — just choose a picture that you feel best represents you at your happiest. Avoid using older pictures of yourself from a decade or so past, as it can be misleading. Your best matches will like you for who you are.
Remember, the best relationships are built on truth and honesty.
A basic membership allows you to send a “flirt” to someone you’re interested in. And a paid membership enables you to contact them directly and send a message. The site layout and design is easy to navigate through all that OurTime has to offer.
3. Privacy and Security Safeguards Provide Peace of Mind
OurTime is big on user privacy, especially since seniors are often seen as a target for scams. The OurTime dating site itself does collect information about its users, but only to make the best, most compatible matches. The site will use your information to provide targeted ads that it feels may be beneficial to you.
While some sites conduct criminal background checks of their members, OurTime does not. That doesn’t mean criminal background checks won’t be an option in the future, as several other dating sites are taking these measures to better safeguard their members.
OurTime stands out among other sites because it requires ID verification of its members, and its screening process helps control and prevent bot accounts and other fake profiles. With a premium subscription, you have access to a feature that generates a unique phone number for you and your match so you can talk and text without having to exchange contact information. That means if something doesn’t work out, you won’t have to worry about excessive calls or texts from someone incompatible.
Regarding security, OurTime puts a lot of emphasis on protecting its members. As the website claims, “OurTime considers the security of our applications and the privacy of our users’ data extremely important. While it is impossible to predict the full range of future cyber threats against our systems, we regularly assess and work to improve our security in an effort to enhance the safety of our user community.”
All online dating sites face the reality of security threats, but OurTime goes above and beyond to help make sure its site is as secure as possible.
4. It Offers Several Ways to Communicate
When it comes to communication, all daters have their own preferences. While some feel more comfortable texting, others may prefer a video chat. The best ways to communicate through OurTime require a paid membership, which will make the process much easier.
With a paid membership, you can send and receive messages through the site, and can also opt into a feature called ConnectMe, which allows users to talk on the phone with their matches using a phone number that’s not theirs. That way, there’s no pressure to continue talking and dating someone if there’s no spark. Even if you’re a little nervous on the phone, talking on the phone can be a great way to test whether the two of you can hold a proper conversation before making plans to meet in person. It’ll also give you a good idea of what someone’s like offline.
OurTime users can also send virtual gifts to each other. You can send the gift of images (for example, a digital rose) if you buy tokens, which are a form of currency for add-ons within the site.
5. Success Stories Prove Users Love the Site
Sure, navigation and communication options are good to know about, but they’re not as important as whether the site works. Fortunately, the UK branch of OurTime has featured tons of success stories from users who met, fell in love, and are now enjoying this new chapter of their lives.
One of those couples are Trish and Daryl, who signed up for OurTime because they were intrigued that the site catered to people over the age of 50. They found the site “very easy to use,” and Trish noted that her online dating confidence grew when she received likes and messages. The two connected in October of 2023, and are quite happy together. “We have been for many meals, we have spent time away together and been to a lot of different events and walks,” Trish said. “We see each other quite a bit and we do have future plans to live together.”
Karen and David are another couple who’ve met due to OurTime. Karen joined the site after losing a spouse, feeling the pull that her life was bound to have a second love. “After losing my husband 16 months ago I decided it was time to move on so I joined this site to meet someone,” she said. “We started chatting on-site in May. Then exchanged mobile [numbers] and started chatting on messenger,” said Karen. “We had our first date June 7th […] Had a meal and drinks and things went from there.” While they don’t live together at the moment, it’s not out of the cards just yet. “We do not live together at the moment but have planned long weekends away and a holiday abroad next year as well as some other events,” said Karen. As of now, David is still being introduced to family members.
Clive happened to meet Ali the first day he signed on. What drove him to the site in the first place? The ads. “At age fifty-nine I really thought my time was over, however the advert did offer a glimmer of hope, someone to chat to at the very least,” said Clive. “My first impression was my goodness, there are a lot of people of my generation and single, out there.” But, Ali was one of the first people he really connected with. “We hit it off after a couple of tentative texts and agreed to meet a week later,” he said. “We are already planning a future together!”
Many senior singles may assume that their dating days are over — but there are so many people out there who are still hoping to meet the one, and plenty of them have signed up to OurTime to make it possible.
Alternatives Worth Considering
As you figure out if OurTime is a good dating site, you may wonder how it compares to the other dating sites that target the senior experience. While OurTime is one of the top dating destinations for the over-50 crowd, there are a few other great sites worth exploring before purchasing a full OurTime membership.
1. eharmony
Relationships: Casual Dates, Deep Relationships
Match System: Personality test suggests matches
Our Experts Say: “eharmony’s simple compatibility matching system makes the site a popular choice for seniors seeking deep, long-term relationships…” Full Review »
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| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
48%*
52%*
|
4.1 Million* | View Profiles FREE |
The eharmony site has been around since 2000, meaning that it has decades of experience in making love connections online. While it’s not intended just for senior use the way that OurTime is, they do have a very diverse pool of members, many of whom are in their golden years. “Senior singles have to contend with things their younger peers don’t. Many have at least one long-term relationship behind them and those can come with significant baggage.
While the dating landscape may have changed, the potential for meaningful connections has not,” according to the site. Those hovering around the age of 60 are looking more for a warm and compassionate relationship that revolves around support and acceptance. Senior daters already have lived a full life, so they’re not necessarily looking for people to change what they already know as much as to enhance their current situation.
As far as finding love goes, eharmony will send you a personality test that you’ll fill out to help find the best matches. Not only is the test fun, but it can be informative. Perhaps you’ve never truly thought about what you’re looking for, or what kind of dater you are. While searching other profiles, you’ll see a “Compatibility Score” based on this test, which is eharmony’s way of pointing you in the right direction regarding one-on-one rapport. The site knows that love has no age limit, and is great for singles of all ages.
2. EliteSingles
Relationships: Serious Relationships
Match System: Search, Receive Partner Suggestions
Our Experts Say: “EliteSingles caters to highly educated single men and women, and it uses an advanced Fraud Detection System to make sure everyone is who they say they are…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| All Singles* |
44%*
56%*
|
2 Million* | Browse Profiles Free |
If you’re the type of person who has spent plenty of time building a career and perhaps a little less time trying to find a partner, EliteSingles would be a great choice. While it also isn’t geared primarily toward a senior crowd, its demographics do skew a bit older, with most users between the ages of 30 and 55. According to EliteSingles, senior singles are the fastest-growing dating demographic around, and they’re working hard to cater to this expanding group. Much like eharmony, EliteSingles learns about you through a personality test.
From there, they’ll send you singles that they feel meet the requirements of your ideal partner. They send anywhere between three and seven profiles to you daily, since, in their words, they want to ensure that “you waste no time on bad matches.” Consider it like having a dating coach in your pocket but in the form of an app. EliteSingles is an especially great place to meet smart singles, as over 85% of members have an above-average education.
Relationships: Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion
Our Experts Say: “SilverSingles is a fast-growing, easy-to-use niche dating site exclusively for active daters over the age of 50…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Free Trial
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
41%*
59%*
|
800,000* | Sign up for FREE |
SilverSingles targets the same age range as OurTime. The 50+ dating site is dedicated to matching senior singles with the most compatible partners. The site boasts a “thorough vetting process and psychologically-backed matching process,” and prides itself on being a tight-knit community. It also has plenty of content worth perusing if you’re a senior single who has questions about dating in today’s world, which may help build confidence.
Many senior daters start by giving both OurTime and SilverSingles a shot since both are geared toward their demographic. They also use a personality test to help guide their algorithm, meaning that as a user, you should have no problem locating compatible seniors on day one. Much like OurTime, the site navigation is also easy for seniors, even those who may not be the most tech savvy.
FAQs: Is It Worth Paying for OurTime?
The popular phrase “you get what you pay for” is also true in the world of online dating. While many people have been successfully matched with others without paying a dime, most sites today — including OurTime — offer a limited experience for free while hiding the bigger features under a subscription plan. A free membership will let you see how many people have viewed your profile, allow you to search profiles, and send a limited number of “likes” per day. A “like” is a good way to let someone else know you’re interested in them. Direct communication, however, is a perk that requires payment.
It makes sense to start using OurTime for free and then splurge on a paid membership if you’re happy with the number of local singles you can see. If it’s a big pool, then it’s worth paying money to better explore your connections. If not, maybe a free membership will be enough for now.
So what does an OurTime monthly subscription unlock? Aside from unlimited messages, you’ll also get to see who’s “liked” you, which may help your search for love, and you can also get confirmation of when your message was read by another user. That in itself is a useful tool to let you know whether your message landed, or whether you should move on and try connecting with other people. If phone calls are more your style, a paid membership will also unlock the ConnectMe feature, which will allow you to make calls under a masked phone number.
You can choose from one of three premium OurTime payment options — one big payment that will cover a minimum of six months at a time (but preferably more), a month-by-month arrangement, or a straight six-month set payment that will expire after that time. While you save money by buying more time, a month-by-month may be your best option if you dedicate a lot of time to the dating process.
Remember, while these sites can be great for making friends and building an offline community, you’ll likely deactivate your subscription when you’ve met your person and feel more comfortable talking with them outside of the site.
Are There Fake Profiles on OurTime?
Unfortunately, all dating sites are susceptible to fake profiles infiltrating the database. While the OurTime site does its best to showcase only genuine singles, the moderation tools may not always catch a fake profile or a bot before a user has interacted with it. Luckily, once you become well-versed in spotting a fake, you’ll have a good and honest experience.
If a profile is light on information, you may want to be cautious. Fake profiles often focus on the photo rather than someone’s backstory. Fake profiles are crafted to get your attention, so if something feels off, trust your instinct — it’s almost always right. Fake profiles will often also have fake photos attached. A photo that looks photoshopped or filtered also may not be genuine.
Some fake profiles may just be an ego boost for the account owner, and your communications may not get a response Other profiles may have been created to gain your sympathy with a false sob story and scam you out of money. If anyone asks for a gift card or your bank account number and password, it’s almost always a scam. Never give out personal information to anyone online, even if you feel an instant connection. Scammers may also try to love-bomb you, meaning they’ll come on very strong to quickly gain your trust. You’re likely quite easy to love both on and offline, but anyone declaring their love for you within the first few days of online contact is waving a red flag.
Another good way to spot fake profiles is to do a reverse Google search on profile images to see if anything pops up. Many times, scammers use random photos they find on the internet, so you may be able to find the real source of the photo. Having a trusted friend or family member by your side while setting up an account can also help. It’s always good to have another pair of eyes on a profile or message response that just doesn’t seem right.
That said, you shouldn’t let the possibility of fake profiles hinder your desire to try online dating. There are still plenty of people who use dating sites to connect with others who have the same good intentions as they do. Some sites offer video chat, which is an exceptionally good way to make sure the person you’re talking to is real, and who they say they are. Before scheduling to meet someone in person, try video chatting beforehand to give you peace of mind.
What is the Best Senior Dating Site?
When it comes to senior dating sites, OurTime is one of the best. It’s easy to use and backed by the Match Group, and has nearly 9 million visits per month. It also has strong search features, which can help narrow down the pool of singles to better identify who you’d best get along with. If you have certain preferences, you shouldn’t be afraid to name them while you search. By now, it’s possible you know what you like and what to look for in someone’s profile, which may make browsing even easier than if you were in your 20s and 30s.
That said, SilverSingles also has a lot to offer. Many of its members find that the dating service is a bit quicker, and while every one of age is allowed to use the website, it’s geared more toward senior professionals. While OurTime may offer up more matches, the matches you’ll get on SilverSingles may be more compatible based on its algorithm.
Relationships: Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships
Match System: Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion
Our Experts Say: “SilverSingles caters to relationship-minded singles over 50 with simple, safe, and effective online dating tools…” Full Review »
Browse Free: View Photos Now
| User Base | Gender Ratio | Popularity (Visits/Mo.) |
Today’s Deal
|
| Mature Singles (50+)* |
41%*
59%*
|
800,000* | Sign up for FREE |
But that’s not the end of it. SilverSingles and OurTime may be the biggest senior dating sites, but SeniorMatch has its followers. SeniorMatch has over 6,000 members signing in per day and has over 36,000 reported success stories. SeniorMatch is also a great way to find friends you’re compatible with. If you’re a senior who’s lonely but feels uncomfortable about making new romantic connections at this stage in your life, SeniorMatch may be the destination for you. Aside from love connections, it’s also a great way to meet new people for companionship. If you are clear about what you’re looking for in your profile, you’re bound to meet a lot of great people who’d love to watch a movie with you or take a walk around the park with no romantic expectations.
Can I Browse OurTime Without Signing Up?
Absolutely — a free account on OurTime will let you browse and see who’s out there. That said, you will be prompted to fill out a profile first and answer some questions. OurTime will ask you the kind of person you’re seeking (whether you’re a man looking for a woman, a man looking for a man, or seeking a different arrangement) and your ZIP code. From there, it’ll ask for your birthday and email address. You can create a password, and then you’ll be asked questions about your physical appearance.
Be honest in your profile as it’s important to start any relationship with the truth. The site will ask you about your preferences for a partner. The more specifics you add to your answer, the more compatible your match will be. After those introductory steps, the browsing can begin. You can look through profiles, but you’ll need to choose a subscription tier to send a full-fledged message to someone who strikes your fancy.
Does the AARP Have a Dating Site?
AARP does not have an official dating site, but it does have community message boards that can help connect you to other seniors. It may be a good way to find a virtual pen pal, or some support if you’re going through a life change and need a sympathetic ear. Since these message boards aren’t as structured as a dating site, you’ll want to be extra careful when giving out information about yourself. AARP is also a great resource for family and relationship information and late-stage career advice.
The Bottom Line: OurTime is a Great Site for Older Daters
Despite the number of dating sites and apps available, OurTime is a top contender when it comes to meeting new partners. The dating site prioritizes the senior community and serves as a good place for seniors to meet and navigate this new chapter in life.
Even if you’re not necessarily ready for a relationship, OurTime can help build a sense of community while you navigate a tough divorce or spousal bereavement. OurTime members are all looking for different things in this stage of life, so if you want to take things slow, you’re likely to find someone seeking the same pace. You never know who you will meet on OurTime, but it’s free, so it’s absolutely worth a try.
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