Finding love—or, hey, even just a fling—isn't always easy. But as anyone who's dated later in life already knows, it can become more challenging with each decade. Gone are the days when you could hit up your local watering hole or gym and find an age-appropriate match. Now, you're more likely to have to put in the work. Fortunately, online dating can be a great shortcut. Not sure which platform to use? Read on to hear from relationship experts and therapists about the best senior dating sites the internet has to offer. They're easy to use and filled with singles like you.
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10 Best Dating Sites for Seniors
The online dating services below will help make looking for love a safer and more convenient.
1. eHarmony
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Launched in 2000, eHarmony has stood the test of time. Perhaps because it's been around so long, it has many senior users. Plus, it's good at what it does.
"The site offers a comprehensive personality questionnaire that helps users find those who align with their values, interests, and personalities," says Megan Harrison, licensed marriage and family therapist at Couples Candy. "eHarmony also offers personalized matches based on the results of the questionnaire, which can help seniors narrow down their options to like-minded individuals they are more likely to connect with."
Harrison also praises the site's user-friendly interface, powerful security features, and options such as video chatting, which make it easier to get to know potential date partners before committing to an outing. You can use the free version or sign up for a premium membership for six, 12, or 24 months.
2. OurTime
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OurTime is specifically designed for people ages 50 and up, making finding singles in your age group a breeze.
"In OurTime, people can browse and connect with other singles within our preferred criteria, such as age, location, religion, and more," says Joni Ogle, LCSW, CSAT, licensed clinical social worker, and CEO of The Heights Treatment.
The mature dating site also features articles about senior dating, as well as safety tips. "I believe this is really important for those of us who may not be as tech-savvy as our younger counterparts," explains Ogle. "All in all, OurTime makes it easier for seniors to find companionship without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated by technology."
Its design is streamlined with large print and photos and easy to use on any device. Three paid membership options cost $37, $20, or $16 monthly.
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3. Match
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Match is another popular dating service for senior singles. Since its debut back in 1995, the online dating website has attracted millions of users, and a good amount of them fall into the "older adult" camp. According to Forbes, 37 percent of users are 50 or older.
It's free to sign up, but different subscription options allow you to access certain paid features, like the ability to send unlimited likes, view read receipts, and enjoy a monthly "boost," which makes your profile visible to more users.
Something that sets this reliable dating site apart from the rest is its emphasis on in-person events. Also known as "Match Events," this option allows users to mingle with other members in the flesh.
4. Zoosk
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Zoosk's hook is that it allows you to browse profiles based on location.
"The interface of Zoosk is intuitively designed so even those who are not tech-savvy can quickly get used to the features available on the website," says Harrison. "With its personalized matchmaking algorithm, you'll be able to connect with highly compatible users with your interests and preferences."
The online dating site also provides tools such as icebreakers to help you connect with your matches. You can set up a profile and click through singles in your area for free; you'll need to subscribe for around $10 monthly to start a conversation.
5. Singles50
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Singles50 is a niche dating site that caters exclusively to the 50+ crowd. Today, the dating app has almost one million members and counting. Users are matched based on the service's "scientific personality questionnaire." Once connected, they can communicate through compliments, "smiles," or personal messages."
The senior dating app also offers its very own video chat feature. Members who have already matched have the option of participating in a video call before any in-person meetings. This is to ensure both parties feel safe, comfortable, and interested enough to pursue something face-to-face. Though we should note that this feature is only available with a paid membership (registration is free!).
6. SeniorMatch
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SeniorMatch is another site designed for people over 50. In fact, under-40s aren't even allowed to sign up for the senior dating site!
"The platform is user-friendly, and it offers a range of features that make it easy for seniors to connect and communicate with each other," says April Davis, dating coach, matchmaker, and founder of LUMA Luxury Matchmaking.
"Additionally, Senior Match offers a variety of ways to connect with other users, including forums, blogs, and chat rooms, which allows users to engage with each other in a variety of ways beyond just one-on-one messaging." However, Davis' favorite feature is the authentication process that ensures all profiles are genuine.
RELATED: 127 Questions to Ask Your Partner About Love, Life, & Intimacy.
7. DateMyAge
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DateMyAge provides a customizable dating experience for users 40 and older. Because the site is designed to support an age-appropriate experience, singles can enjoy an easier time wading through potential matches to find the right fit.
It's a global platform, so users can chat with members from around the world. Not only does the site provide secure and reliable communication channels through direct messages, but it's also included a live video chat feature. (Member verification is required before accessing any of these tools.)
You can access the free version of the site before signing up for a paid membership. That way, you can purchase "credits" to do things like send messages or virtual gifts before agreeing to a monthly fee.
8. SilverSingles
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SilverSingles is exclusively for people over 50. "It focuses on matching mature singles who are looking for a serious relationship," says Shine. "The site has a comprehensive personality test that helps to match users based on their values, interests, and lifestyles."
To start, you take the personality test and build your profile. From there, this reputable dating site sends you three to seven matches per day. Registering and having limited conversations is free; you'll need to subscribe to enjoy the entire site. The cheapest subscription is $25 for 12 months.
9. SofiaDate
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Not only does SofiaDate contain a dating base of over six million members, but it also boasts a higher-than-average reply rate. The price structure is dictated by credits—the more you purchase, the more access you have to other users, along with features like live video chat and voice calls.
This trusted dating site also contains an advanced fraud prevention system to confirm the authenticity of members. Users can also report any kind of suspicious activity. If it turns out there's something wrong with a particular user account, it will be deleted immediately.
10. Seeking
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Of all the senior dating websites on this list, Seeking is the most specific about catering to an "attractive and successful" crowd. The popular senior dating site has attracted over 40 million members across 130 countries and counting. According to the website, there are over a million messages exchanged and 40,000 photos uploaded to the platform daily.
The site actually began as SeekingArrangements, a popular service where singles could connect and exchange their expectations for a relationship "upfront." Today's rebranded version allows members to share private photos, partake in real-time messaging, favorite other members, and participate in a video chat. Background verification is also provided to all new members. The service also provides a list of dating safety tips to all users.
Senior Safety Tips for Dating Online
Even the best senior dating site remains vulnerable to some suspicious activity. While the online dating scene is even more mainstream than ever, it's important to stay sharp and lead with safety first. Listed below are a few tips to keep in mind.
Never give away your personal information.
This one should go without saying but remember: There's no need to give away secure information to someone you've met online. Anyone asking for your credit card or bank information is clearly not there to pursue a romantic connection, so it's best to unmatch and let the site know what's going on so no one else will be targeted. You should also avoid giving out your address until you've gotten to know the person on a more personal level.
Stick to reputable dating platforms.
Trusted senior dating sites can provide advanced protection for users with user verification, location security, and even background checks.
Don't meet up with someone right away.
If you've been single for a long time, then you may be eager to jump into a relationship. That said, it's worth getting to know a new match well before meeting up in person. Not only will a proper conversation help you determine if you two are a match, but it will also allow you to figure out if this is someone you'd be comfortable meeting face-to-face.
Let someone else know where you're going.
Always let a friend or family member know where you're going when you're meeting someone new. That way, they at least know where to find you should anything go south.
Have your first date in a public place.
A cozy night in is a great idea for a date, but only so long as you actually know and trust that person. If it's your first time meeting someone new, stick to a public place. It's safer and low-pressure.
FAQ
What are senior dating sites?
It didn't take long for senior dating platforms to hit the scene once the online dating industry exploded. They typically provide the same features as other popular dating sites, though many are only available to individuals aged 40 or older. Other details that may set these services apart include video chat features, easy user interfaces, and advanced security options.
What are the benefits of online dating websites for seniors?
Older adults account for some of the loneliest people in the country. The reasons why can include limited mobility and social isolation. The online dating world allows them to connect to other individuals from the security and comfort of home. Free dating sites also make it much easier for low-income individuals to access beneficial social interaction.
Wrapping Up
That's it for our list of online dating sites for the senior crowd, but be sure to check back with us soon for even more ways to find love. You can also sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss out on what's next!
