Last updated 30th January 2023
10 min read
Although dating in later life can seem a little more challenging, people of all ages desire romance, fun, and love – and dating sites can be one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to find ‘the one’. Whether you've been dating for years or are completely new to it, fear not – there are lots of over 50s looking for love.
Read on to discover the best dating sites for over 50s, as well as some tips on setting up your online dating profile and boosting your confidence before that all-important first date.
Why are dating sites good for those looking for love in later life?
Thousands of over 50s looking for love are turning to dating sites to explore romantic opportunities, and although it might seem a little scary at first, online dating sites and apps are a completely normal way to meet someone – at any age.
They’re convenient, accessible, and straightforward to use. And with sites that are specifically designed for mature dating or specific interests, it’s a simple and stress-free way to find that special someone.
Popular dating sites and apps for over 50s
1. eHarmony
eHarmony is a dating site that asks singletons to fill out a detailed questionnaire and uses a scientific approach to match compatible singles. Membership isn't free, but you can choose various payment options depending on the account you want.
First, you fill in your basic information such as name, age and gender. Then you answer more in-depth questions about your interests and personality, which eHarmony uses to create a selection of singles based on your responses.
Once you match with someone, you can then begin sending messages to each other and take the first steps to seeing if you have a connection.
2. Match.com
Although Match.com has no fixed age range, a large number of its members are over 50, so you can be sure of finding someone to connect with. Plus, Match.com offers a free trial, meaning you can try online dating without needing to spend anything to start with.
Match.com also uses a thorough questionnaire to get an idea of your personality and interests. It then shows you potential matches one at a time, allowing you to match or skip them as you wish. This means that if you don’t meet anyone early on, Match.com can continue to tailor and send increasingly relevant results.
3. DatingOver50s
DatingOver50s is one of the best over 50s dating websites in the UK as it’s specifically tailored to finding partners and friends who are also over 50 in your area. As well as being a free dating site, it’s also remarkably easy to use. Simply make an account, add a profile picture, look for people in your area, and get in touch.
4. Bumble
Bumble is one of the newer dating apps on the market for over 50s to use, with its unique feature being that female users initiate the conversation. This can often make women feel more comfortable and confident in starting conversations, in turn making the start of your new relationship more relaxed.
To use Bumble, simply make an account (either free or paid), complete your profile, and begin swiping left or right to find someone you'd like to talk to.
5. OurTime
OurTime specifically caters for mature dating, allowing you to easily search for like-minded people. And although this dating site does require a subscription, it’s one of the cheapest sites on the market.
A fun bonus of OurTime is that they do regular meetups, including events such as cooking classes, where you can mingle with the singles in your local area – however, this is often closer to bigger cities.
6. SilverSingles
Whether you’re looking for a serious partner, a casual few dates, or your one true soulmate, SilverSingles is a great over 50s dating site. After you’ve signed up and completed your questionnaire and profile, you’ll be sent some of your top matches every day – so there’s no need to trawl through hundreds of profiles.
Again, this dating site does require a paid membership if you want to connect with someone, but if you just want to have a look around, it’s completely free.
7. Hinge
Sometimes finding that deep, meaningful connection can be difficult. If you’ve been trying to date seriously for a while and are yet to find ‘the one’, Hinge might just be a more suitable dating app. Hinge focuses on connecting people for long term relationships, no matter the age.
Keep it simple with short prompts, send a like, and a comment on someone's profile if it appeals to you. Hinge is free for viewing profiles and liking a few per day – however, it's limited until you pay for a subscription, so keep that in mind.
8. ChristianMingle
If your Christian faith is important to you and your desired relationship, ChristianMingle could be a good way to find love. With this dating site, you'll sign up for a free trial, then answer a few questions about your values and hobbies to get a selection of singles.
ChristianMingle will send you seven matches a day – however, you won't be able to chat to a potential partner until you've got a paid membership. Pricing for this site is among the more expensive, but it may be worthwhile if your faith is key to finding that special someone.
How to begin using dating sites in later life
Setting up your profile
While we want to present the best version of ourselves possible, it's important to use a photo that is up to date and accurate. If you're looking for a serious connection with someone, the best way to do that is to be honest and open from the get-go.
Try using a portrait shot and a full length one of yourself looking cheerful and natural, as you would be on a date. If you can show off your interests, even better! If you like walking and adventure, try a photo that reflects that. If you're into reading, have you got a photo surrounded by books? Aim to look smiley and approachable – cultivated poses might put some people off.
To make things as uncomplicated as possible, it's a good idea to be the only person in your photos. Not only are other people distracting, but they may be misconstrued as a partner or an old flame.
Be clear about your interests
Writing a dating profile can be really tough. Be clear about your interests – whatever they are. That way, you or a potential partner will find it easier to identify if you have shared hobbies and start a conversation.
Just don't go into too much detail or discuss all your thoughts on the subjects – you want to be able to talk more about it on your first date.
Writing your first message
The hardest part of online dating is opening the conversation. There's no natural lead, so of course it can be tough to know what to say.
Try opening with a light-hearted line about something you liked in their photo – maybe something in their bio, or even their jazzy socks.
Don't be too overt – just try to speak as you might in real life. It's easy for things to get misinterpreted online, so save your bigger punch lines for face to face.
If the conversation is flowing nicely, remember not to give away too much about yourself. You are still strangers after all, and it's always good to go into these things with a cautious mind.
The date itself
If you've struck up a connection with someone online, then you may want to suggest meeting up in person. This step can be exciting, but it's important to follow some basic rules:
- Meet in an open area with other people around. Not only is this a safer option, but it allows for some background hustle and bustle to fill any natural awkward silences.
- Go on a date that caters to both people's interests. A date doesn't have to be dinner at a restaurant – it could be a country walk, a museum visit, or a drink in the local pub.
- Don't put too much pressure on success. You're seeing if the connection that was there online exists in person, so there's no need to worry about having the absolutely perfect first date.
Tailor your talk
If you worry about not having things to talk about on a first date, it can't hurt to prepare three topics of conversation you're interested in. And if you can tailor one of those to their interests, the conversation is sure to be easier and flow a little more freely.
Don't be too worried about awkward silences – it's perfectly normal when you're meeting someone for the first time. If they happen, take a moment and think of something to ask your date about themselves. You'll seem interested and engaged, and it will shift their mind away from any awkwardness.
Be happy to talk about yourself too. If you have children or have been divorced, it's good to be open about those topics. Try not to get bogged down in any negatives like a recent divorce or uncomfortable break up. Keeping positive will make for an all-round better experience for both of you.
Contacting afterwards
According to our research, people over 50 are less confident about dating, and that might mean you're hesitant to be the first to get in contact after the date – even if you had a great time.
Dating these days doesn't follow the same game-playing or etiquette you might be used to. Throw caution to the wind and send a friendly follow-up text message to let the other person know you had a nice time.
If the feeling is reciprocated, they'll be happy to hear from you. And if not, a casual text can be the gentlest way to find that out. If that's the case, don't be disheartened – there are plenty of other people out there to connect with!
If you didn't feel a spark but they did, offer them the same kindness. Let them know that you enjoyed yourself but would prefer to be friends.
Don't give up if you don't find 'the one' on the first go. Take each date as a learning experience, and you may even end up with a few new friends.
Here are our top tips for dating in your 50s...
Finding a special someone can be daunting at the best of times, and it can take a little while before you're ready to embark on that journey. There's no need to jump into using a dating site straight away – it's okay to work on yourself first.
If you're completely new to the dating scene and don't even know where to begin, don't panic – there are plenty of people in the same boat. Here are some things you can do to ease into it gently.
Talk about how you feel
One of the biggest hurdles for over 50s finding love is feeling embarrassed about 'dating again'. Many are worried what their friends and families – particularly their kids – will think about them 'getting out there' and moving on.
But honesty is the best policy, so open up to those around you about how you feel. Let them know what's going on in your love life so they can be there to support you – they'll only want you to be happy, and may even be able to set you up!
Take up a new hobby
It is never too late to try something new. Not only is it a great way to meet new people – and potentially a new partner – but learning a new skill in later life will also improve your mental health.
Take a look through our retirement hobbies for better mental health to see if there's an activity that takes your fancy. Or you can take some inspiration from this hobbyist below.
Get exercising
Exercising is hugely beneficial on so many levels. There is the obvious physical benefit of being fitter, but exercise will also improve your mental health, boost your energy (and improve sexual performance!). And if you join a club or class, it's a great way to meet new people and make friends.
Get a new look
If you do decide to 'get back out there', what better excuse for a new look? Freshen up your wardrobe by taking your old stuff to the charity shop and getting a few new outfits – you'll feel so much more confident.
If you are not sure where to start, ask a friend or family member for advice, or you could even think about hiring a personal stylist.
Other places to meet new people
Try a singles holiday
If you are single and over 50, you may have decided against going on holiday. But with more freedom – and probably more cash – than you had when you were younger, it's worth thinking about going solo.
You can do what you want when you want, plus there are loads of holiday companies that offer trips especially for singles in their 50s, so you are guaranteed to meet like-minded people.
Friendship Travel, Solo Holidays, and Explore are all examples of companies offering over 50s holidays for single people. There are also a number of UK-based campervan holidays that are a great place for like-minded people to gather all year round – perfect for meeting that special someone.
There's no pressure to connect with someone on these holidays – it can purely be a nice opportunity to go away with a few future friends.
What next?
Meeting people and starting a relationship are some of the most exciting things you can do in later life, and we hope this guide helps you on your journey to finding that special someone.
If you found this article interesting, you may also enjoy some of SunLife's other content:
- How to find volunteering opportunities
- The best friendship sites and groups for over 50s
- Coping with loneliness in later life
