Whether you are the child of a parent who’s dating or you are over 50 and looking to get back out there following a breakup or just a break, you might find yourself wondering: How old is too old to date? In other words, when is it no longer “socially acceptable” to search for love and companionship or whatever else you desire from a new partner?
The short answer is, with so many advantages to dating in midlife and beyond, dating doesn’t have to come with an expiration date. As long as you are enthusiastic and put your heart into the process, you, too, can reap the benefits. For the long(er) answer, which includes what those benefits are and how to meet someone later in life, read on.
Reasons for dating (again) at an older age
Two of the most common reasons why people start dating again in midlife or after are they are getting divorced, or they have been widowed. These are major life events and can be dramatic changes for anyone, especially if they have been married for decades or are used to being with someone. The same is true of being in a long-term relationship that, for any other reason, reached its end.
An individual in any of these scenarios might want the emotional support and companionship that comes from being partnered again. They might want someone with whom to share emotional burdens or engage in activities, hobbies, and pastimes. Or perhaps they were never married and are looking for a special someone. The bottom line is people don’t stop wanting love just because they have gotten older.
But don’t take my word for it. In a recent “Dear Abby” column about a mom who started dating in an assisted living facility following the death of her husband, the writer says that the children of the man their mother is dating aren’t responding well. Abby writes, “Your mother’s is not the first romance to blossom in a situation like this, and it won’t be the last. What has happened is a blessing, and I hope the man’s daughters will come to regard it as one.”
Stories like the above abound, demonstrating that it’s never too late to search for — and find — a match. So why criticize others for wanting to be happy or keep yourself from the same just because you are not “young”?
Benefits of dating at an older age
Three of the most common benefits of dating in midlife or beyond include increased emotional well-being, improved physical health benefits, and financial security. Let me explain.
Emotional well-being is one major reason why it can be advantageous to date at an older age. Research has shown that physical affection and companionship can decrease the risk of depression in older adults and help increase self-esteem. Especially after a life change, such as a divorce or the death of a spouse, this kind of support can be helpful.
A person might seek companionship for the physical aspects of it, such as hand-holding, hugs, or sex, each of which typically accompanies romantic relationships. Likewise, romantic relationships in midlife and beyond are associated with better healing after surgery and a longer lifespan.
Finally, financial benefits are a factor when considering dating after 50. In certain circumstances, marriage and other romantic partnerships can improve finances by providing specific tax benefits. So, too, can the commitment to share living expenses, such as rent and utilities.
Dating apps and sites for older people
With the increased demand for meeting a partner after 50 has come added resources. These include dating websites and apps that cater specifically to older adults looking for every type of relationship, romantic, activity partner, or otherwise.
SeniorMatch, for instance, has over a million senior singles over 50. To make the search process easier, this site allows users to prioritize different kinds of relationships, including dating and relationships and travel mates. Silver Singles is another example. This site only lets users over 50 on the platform and provides matchmaking services to help people connect. More mainstream dating platforms like OKCupid and Match can also be useful for older people looking for relationships.
Lastly, a professional matchmaker with a database of clients above 50 and a large network developed over decades can likewise provide options to meet other eligible singles. Singles who are wonderful but either aren’t online or don’t stand out online. A skilled matchmaker, however, knows how to spot them.
Final thoughts …
Looking for love and companionship at any age is a personal decision driven by many factors, usually more than one at a time. The reasons for dating don’t fade with age but either continue or even increase. In the same column mentioned earlier, Abby says that “older folks are doing nothing wrong. They have a right to be happy ...”
In other words, no one’s opinion should deprive you of that happiness. Especially your own opinion. As the English playwright Sir Arthur Wing Pinero stated, “Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.”