Dating Apps and Websites for Seniors

February is quickly approaching, which means Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. Roses, chocolates, and giant teddy bears fill the aisles at our local grocery stores, but let’s remember what Valentine’s Day is all about–showing our friends, family, and partners how much we love and appreciate them. However, holidays like this can be an especially lonely time for older adults. Since CarePenguin aims to serve older adults who live alone, we’d like to share senior-friendly dating sites for those who are looking for a companion. 

Senior Citizens and Loneliness

Loneliness and social isolation affect older adults’ mental and physical health. According to the CDC, “A report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) points out that more than one-third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.” (CDC)

Loneliness and social isolation increase health risks such as anxiety, depression, dementia, heart disease, stroke, and death. Older adults are at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation because of loss of spouses or friends and living alone, as well as disabilities, chronic illnesses, and hearing loss that can make it difficult to socialize. Given the social constrictions of COVID-19, these issues have been amplified in the last two years. However, if you’re vaxxed and ready to get back out there, we put together some recommendations for dating apps for seniors.

Why Dating Apps

Whether you’re looking for a passionate love affair or just a companion, dating apps can provide a great opportunity to meet like-minded people near you. Coming from a generation that met their partners at school, work, bars, or anywhere in person, embracing technology can be weird or even intimidating. We’ve vetted the dating sites for you and compiled a list for you to choose which ones suit you best.

Dating Sites for Seniors

eHarmony

eHarmony offers a dating site specifically for seniors. They have you fill out a Personality Profile with 32 characteristics and use that to match you with people that could be compatible for you. 

Silver Singles

Silver Singles is a dating site for people who are 50+ looking for a second chance at love. They also have you fill out a personality profile and use that information to match you with others. One of the best things about Silver Singles is that 80% of their members are highly educated and have a university degree. So, if you’re looking for someone intelligent, check out Silver Singles. 

Match

Match.com was one of the first dating sites and has an outstanding reputation. They have a video date feature where you can video chat with someone before deciding to go on a date in person with them. You can also use MatchPhone as a way to talk on the phone without having to give the other person your phone number to protect your privacy.

OkCupid

OkCupid is a great dating site to find someone that’s most compatible for you. Members fill out a detailed profile so you know what you’re getting into before reaching out, and you can weed out people that you know will be deal breakers (e.g. smokers, political affiliation, etc.). Unlike other dating sites, OkCupid has a free membership option that still allows you to message matches. 

Bumble

Bumble is a dating app that is used by people of all ages! It’s unique value proposition is it gives women the power. When two people match on Bumble, it’s up to the woman to be the first one to reach out, otherwise the “match” will disappear after 24 hours. Bumble isn’t just for dating either. You can use Bumble BFF to find friends near you!

Hinge

Hinge is one of the most popular dating apps today among people of all ages. Hinge is more casual than sites like eHarmony and Match where you fill out a lengthy profile, but more serious than something like Tinder. Hinge has you fill out a brief profile, and gives you fun question prompts to show your personality. They’re in the business of building long lasting relationships, not just hook-ups.

Online Dating and Safety

Online dating can be an excellent way to meet new people and to find someone that’s the perfect match for you. However, it’s important to remember some general safety precautions when online dating. After all, these people are strangers! Here are some safety tips for anyone who is using dating apps.

• Meet in a public place: It’s always a good idea to meet in a public place the first time you go on a date with someone you met online.
• Tell friends and family who you’re going on a date with and where you’re going to meet.
• Don’t give out extra personal information like your email, phone number, where you live, your kids names, etc. Obviously, these are things that someone will learn about you over time, but not something you want to share with a stranger you just met.
• Never send money. Some people try to scam others on dating apps. If someone tells you they are in a difficult financial situation, that is a red flag. Trust your gut and if something doesn’t feel right, just stop talking to that person.

Everyone deserves to find love, whether you’re 15 or 95. Although it’s different than how a lot of people grew up, online dating is quickly becoming the new norm. Millions of people are finding their perfect match on a dating site. Feeling lonely or socially isolated can negatively affect a person’s mental and physical health, but dating sites provide a great opportunity for finding a companion.