Why does online dating work for seniors

Why 50-plus daters go online

Recent research conducted at Swinburne University investigated the dating and relationship practices of older Australian adults aged between 50 and 92. Those who had met their partners through dating websites went online because they felt there were very limited places and opportunities to meet like-minded others and because they no longer took part in the pub and club scene.

There is really no other place that someone my age can meet people. It is not cool to be old and desperate.

Apart from a dearth of available partners in their social or friendship groups, it is hard for older adults to work out who is actually available. Just because someone is single, widowed or divorced, that does not mean they are interested in dating.

Online it is clear why they are there. Older adults who have, for the most part, been married or cohabited long-term, fear the embarrassment of getting it wrong. Online dating alleviates that worry.

For many older adults, online dating is easy, relatively safe, anonymous and provides a structured approach to what is typically an unstructured process.

The setting up of profiles, viewing others’ profiles and photographs, sending “kisses” or “stamps”, responding with emails, chatting online or by phone and in due course meeting in real life, is a process organised and regularised by the online dating websites. It takes away the stress of meeting someone new.

Taking it at their own pace

Many older adults initiate meetings with numerous prospective partners over many months. For others, the online dating experience is comparatively brief as they find a connection with someone almost immediately.