Dating is not just for the young. In fact, a lot of people don’t meet the love of their life until they are in their 50s or 60s. And thanks to online dating, it’s easier to find love than ever before, even for senior singles.
But if you’re over 50 and not that techie, getting online to find romance, friendship, companionship, or something in between can feel like a daunting task. The online dating industry has changed a lot since the world’s first online dating site launched in 1995, so it can definitely be overwhelming to familiarize yourself with all the dating apps and sites out there that promise connections.
So, to help you dip your toes into senior dating, we’ve listed three of the best senior dating sites right now.
3 of the Best Dating Sites for Seniors
Although senior dating is becoming increasingly popular among older adults, mainstream dating websites and dating apps, like Bumble and Tinder, tend not to cater to this age group. As a matter of fact, according to April 2020 survey data of adults in the United States, only 6% of respondents aged 55-64 were using Tinder. So if you belong to this age group and are looking to date someone in the same demographic, what senior dating site should you use? Below are three of the best senior dating sites that could help you find the right one.
#1 OurTime.com
No. 1 on our list of best senior dating sites is OurTime. The dating site is exclusive for single men and women who are at least 50 years old, making it perfect for seniors who are looking to connect with someone their age. OurTime has more than 8.9 million visitors every month and over 1 million of those are registered users looking for a serious relationship, companionship, or marriage.
Ease of use
Not the most tech-savvy person? OurTime is super easy to use and guides you through the entire process, from creating your account and choosing a subscription plan to checking your inbox and browsing members. Aside from its main website, OurTime also has a free-to-download app that allows you to enjoy online dating even if you’re on the go.
Match system
Like other online dating sites, OurTime asks you to specify your expectations, hobbies, lifestyle, and goals during the sign-up process. The website and the dating app will then recommend people to connect to, according to your answers.
But if you want to take matters into your own hand, OurTime’s Basic Search have filters for gender, location, and relationship type that can help you find matches manually. The website’s Advanced Search, meanwhile, goes deeper into your dating preferences and includes things like sexual orientation, interests, education, background, appearance, religion, and so much more.
Unlike other senior dating sites, OurTime gives you the option to only see profiles with photos in them, saving you time and skipping the guessing game of what your potential match looks like.
OurTime has a free feature called “Match Me”, which you can use if you want to know if a member feels the same way as you without making the first move. Clicking “Match Me” will place you into their daily matches, and then you’ll be notified if they like you back. You, however, need to upload at least one photo to access “Match Me”.
Safety features
Aside from keeping the personal information of its users safe, OurTime also makes sure that a scammer cannot gain access and take advantage of its members. The senior dating site conducts an automatic profile verification process, which requires all new users to submit a valid email address and ZIP code before they can access the service.
OurTime doesn’t conduct background checks, but it meticulously reviews all dating profile information as well as pictures to make sure that it meets the standards of its clientele. Fake photos, nude pics, and anything that seems suspicious or inappropriate will be flagged and removed from the site.
To help keep the online community safe for everyone, OurTime members also have the power to report inappropriate or suspicious behavior on their own by clicking a button on the dating profile involved and providing a reason why they think the dating profile should be deleted. Users can also block a member from sending any more incoming messages, thereby cutting off a potential scammer, spammer, or stalker from doing any harm. Members also have the option to remain anonymous until they’re ready to introduce themselves to another user.
In addition to providing dating profile advice to help members get more matches, OurTime also publishes guides and tips on how older single adults can stay safe while connecting online and meeting in person.
Offline perks
Dubbed the Best Senior Dating Site for Local Events and Meetups by Forbes, OurTime organizes live events, like cooking classes and cocktail hours, which can make for fun dates if you’re ready to take things offline. These offline perks, however, may only be available to members in larger cities where singles events are more frequent and widely attended. Check out the events page of the dating website to find out more.
Price
OurTime offers a free trial of seven days, but messaging is not included for non-paying members. Good thing OurTime’s membership plans are cheaper than those of other senior dating sites. You can join for six months for $11.99 per month, three months for $17.99 per month, or just one month for $23.99 per month.
Aside from being able to message anyone they want to, paying members can also receive daily “My Match” emails with prospective matches, send “likes” to let others know they’re interested, and see who has “liked” them back.
In addition to the monthly membership cost, OurTime also offers several add-on features that can be bought for extra fees. For instance, buying “boosts” will increase your dating profile’s visibility on the website, giving you more potential matches.
#2 Match.com
Match.com is No. 2 on our list of best senior dating sites partly because of its over 25 years of match-making experience. Credited by many as the world’s very first online dating site, Match was launched in 1995 and has since refined its match-making services, all while shaping the landscape of online dating across the world.
Unlike OurTime, Match is not an exclusive senior dating site. It has members from different age groups, so it’s great for single mature adults who are open to dating someone who is younger than them.
According to DatingAdvice, Match has over 15 million active users, and more than 7 million of those are paid members. Despite the website’s huge dating pool, seniors who are looking to date someone their age won’t have a hard time finding a match, as Match.com and its mobile app — just like other online dating services — allow their users to conveniently filter out members from certain age groups that they are not into.
User Base
While Match members belong to different age groups, they, in general, are looking for serious relationships. “Match.com is one of the more established dating sites out there and is generally regarded as a place for people to find love rather than hook-ups,” sexologist and love coach Suzannah Weiss told MindBodyGreen.com, which described Match.com as the best online dating site for serious relationships.
Match system
Match has an advanced compatibility matching system that allows you to easily sort out matches by filtering your desired age group, narrowing your search by location, and joining one of the site’s many communities, such as divorced, Christian, gay singles, single parents, and more.
Despite their age, many seniors are still looking for long-term love, and Match can help them find that through the in-depth personality and relationship questionnaire that every new member has to answer upon signing up. Since the website’s match system is much more weighted to the answers users provided when creating their profiles and doesn’t rely on the instant swipe culture that other dating apps employ, seniors who use Match have a high chance of finding true love.
Match members also receive daily match suggestions based on personal compatibility ratings. The dating website also has Reverse Search, which shows users a list of dating profiles looking for someone like them; Mutual Search, which shows members a list of mutually compatible dating profiles, and Vibe Check, which lets online daters enjoy a quick video date with their potential match.
Match also has a feature called MatchPhone, which provides its users with a private, custom number to call and text one another. Another unique Match feature is called Missed Connections. This feature allows users of the Match app to find local date prospects they’ve crossed paths with in real life.
Price
Although Match currently offers a three-day trial, availing it only gives you limited access. To enjoy Match’s full features and complete service, you can sign up for a membership plan that cost $20.99 per month for 12 months, $23.99 per month for six months, or $27.99 per month for three months.
Like OurTime, Match also offers add-on features like One-hour Boost Session (10 for $2.49), which increases a user’s visibility on the dating site threefold.
#3 Zoosk
Completing our list of best senior dating sites is Zoosk. Securing the No. 3 spot, Zoosk is the home of over 40 million singles, who use the service to send three million messages a day. Like Match, Zoosk is not an exclusive senior dating site, but according to TheSeniorList.com, the online dating service actively promotes its growing membership of people aged 50 and up dubbed as Zoosk Seniors. Zoosk also has an accompanying mobile app widely used by seniors.
With a mission to seamlessly integrate social networking and online dating, Zoosk allows its members to verify their phone numbers, Twitter accounts, Facebook accounts, and military service credentials, adding legitimacy to the platform’s dating profiles
Ease of Use
Zoosk is popular among dating seniors because of its simple registration, functionality, and easy-to-use design. You won’t take over 10 minutes to sign up for the service and make your dating profile, which includes basic personal details like your gender, gender preference, birthday, email address, and location. Once your account is activated, you can easily interact with other seniors via chat room or direct messages.
Match system
What makes Zoosk unique from other online dating sites is its use of behavioral matchmaking technology, which, as its name implies, relies heavily on users’ behavior and a few match questions to determine match suggestions. The more a user browses Zoosk, the better matches that person will receive. Zoosk also allows its members to search for matches by a variety of categories, including age, location, religion, education, height, body type, and more.
Price
While you can try Zoosk for free, the free version of the service doesn’t give users access to the full service. To enjoy the dating site in its entirety, you must pay a membership fee that is cheaper than those of OurTime and Match. You can join Zoosk for six months for $12.49 per month, three months for $19.98 per month, or one month for $29.95 per month.
If you’re a paid member, you can boost your profile in search results and send virtual gifts to anyone on the platform. You can also see if someone’s read your message, and can even go invisible for 30 minutes to browse others’ profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions about Senior Dating
1. What is senior dating?
Senior dating refers to dating for individuals who are over the age of 50 or 55, depending on the specific site or platform. It is a way for older adults to connect and form relationships with other like-minded individuals.
2. What is the best dating senior site for seniors or older adults?
A: There are several dating sites and apps that cater to seniors and mature singles. Aside from OurTime, Match, and Zoosk, some of the most highly recommended ones include Silver Singles, eHarmony, and Senior Match. These platforms have a large user base and offer features specifically designed for older adults.
3. How does dating for older adults work?
Senior dating works similarly to traditional dating, but with a focus on the needs and preferences of older adults. Users create a profile, search for potential matches, and interact through messages or virtual dating activities. The goal is to find companionship, romance, or a long-term relationship.
4. Are there any free senior dating websites?
Yes, there are free senior dating sites available. However, free sites may have limited features and a smaller user base compared to paid sites. It’s important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any free site to ensure it meets your needs and preferences.
5. Are dating sites for seniors safe?
Reputable senior dating sites prioritize the safety and security of their users. They implement measures such as profile verification, encryption of personal information, and reporting systems for any suspicious or inappropriate activity. It’s important to follow safe online dating practices and use caution when sharing personal information.
6. How can online dating sites help you find a partner?
Online dating platforms provide a convenient and accessible way to connect with potential partners. They offer search filters based on age range, location, interests, and more, allowing you to find individuals who align with your preferences. Additionally, many sites offer matching algorithms that suggest compatible matches based on your profile information.
7. What are some tips for dating safely on dating sites for older people?
Here are some tips for dating safely on senior dating sites:
- Choose a reputable site with a strong track record of security.
- Never share personal or financial information with someone you haven’t met in person.
- Use caution when meeting someone for the first time and choose a public place.
- Inform a friend or family member about your plans and check in with them.
- Trust your instincts and report any suspicious activity to the site administrators.
8. What are the benefits of using a senior dating app?
Senior dating apps offer the convenience and flexibility of accessing the dating platform from your smartphone or tablet. They often have user-friendly interfaces and features specifically tailored for mobile use, making it easy to browse potential matches and communicate on the go.
9. Can I use dating websites for seniors even if I don’t have much online dating experience?
Absolutely! Senior dating sites cater to users of all experience levels, including those who are new to online dating. They typically have user-friendly interfaces and provide guidance through the sign-up process and profile creation. Take your time and don’t hesitate to reach out to customer support if you need assistance.
10. Can I try out a senior dating site before committing to a paid membership?
Yes, many senior dating sites offer free memberships or trial periods. This allows you to explore the platform, browse potential matches, and get a feel for the site’s features before deciding whether to upgrade to a paid membership. Take advantage of these free options to see if a particular site fits your needs.
11. Online dating works for everyone: True or False?
False. An online dating website can be a great way to meet new people and find a romantic partner, but it is not a guarantee of success. There are a number of factors that can influence whether or not someone has success with online dating, including their age, location, appearance, and personality. Additionally, some people may simply not be comfortable with the online dating process.
Here are some of the reasons why online dating may not work for everyone:
- They may not be comfortable with the online dating process. Some people may find the process of online dating to be daunting or awkward. They may be uncomfortable with the idea of meeting someone new online, or they may not be sure how to start a conversation or build a connection with someone.
- They may not be able to find compatible matches. The pool of potential matches on online dating sites is large, but it can also be very diverse. This can make it difficult to find someone who is compatible with you in terms of age, location, interests, and values.
- They may not be willing to put in the effort. Online dating can be a lot of work. You need to create a profile, write messages, and go on dates. If you’re not willing to put in the effort, you’re less likely to find success.
However, there are also a number of reasons why online dating can be successful for people:
- It can help you meet new people. Online dating can be a great way to meet new people who you might not otherwise meet in your everyday life.
- It can help you find compatible matches. Online dating sites allow you to filter your matches based on a variety of factors, such as age, location, interests, and values. This can help you find someone who is more likely to be compatible with you.
- It can help you build relationships. Online dating can be a great way to build relationships with people. You can start by messaging each other online, and then you can move on to phone calls, video chats, and eventually in-person dates.
Overall, online dating can be a great way to meet new people and find a romantic partner. However, it is important to be realistic about your expectations. Online dating is not a guarantee of success, but it can be a great way to increase your chances of finding someone special.
12. Is it hard for singles over 50 to go back to the dating scene?
It can be hard for singles over 50 to go back to the dating scene. Here are some of the challenges they may face:
- They may feel out of touch with the dating scene. The dating scene has changed a lot in recent years, and singles over 50 may feel out of touch with the new norms. For example, online dating is now a popular way to meet people, and singles over 50 may not be familiar with how to use these platforms.
- They may have more baggage. Singles over 50 may have more baggage from previous relationships, such as children or ex-spouses. This can make it more difficult to open up to new people and to build trust.
- They may have different priorities. Singles over 50 may have different priorities than they did when they were younger. They may be more focused on their careers or their families, and they may not have as much time or energy for dating.
13. What are the advantages of mature dating difficult?
Although difficult, there are also some advantages to mature dating:
- People are more likely to be emotionally mature. As you get older, you are more likely to be emotionally mature. This means that you are better able to communicate your needs and expectations, and you are more likely to be able to resolve conflict in a healthy way.
- People are more likely to know what you want. As you get older, you are more likely to know what you want in a relationship. This can make it easier to find a partner who is compatible with you.
- People are more likely to be ready for a serious relationship. As you get older, you are more likely to be ready for a serious relationship. This means that you are more likely to be willing to put in the time and effort to make a relationship work.
All in all, mature dating can be a rewarding experience. If you are looking for a long-term relationship, mature dating may be the right choice for you. However, it is important to be realistic about your expectations and to be patient. It may take some time to find the right person, but it is worth it in the end.
Conclusion: 10 Best Senior Dating Sites (with brief reviews)
To wrap up this guide, here are the 10 best senior dating sites today!
1. eharmony
eharmony is a popular dating site known for its in-depth matching algorithm, which helps seniors find compatible partners based on personality traits and interests. It has a large user base and offers a secure platform for seniors looking for long-term relationships.
2. Match.com
Match.com is one of the most well-known dating sites, catering to various age groups, including seniors. It provides a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of features to help seniors connect with potential matches based on their preferences.
3. EliteSingles
EliteSingles is a dating site designed for educated and professional individuals, including seniors seeking like-minded partners. It focuses on quality matches and uses a thorough personality questionnaire to facilitate meaningful connections.
4. OurTime
OurTime is specifically designed for singles over 50, making it an ideal choice for seniors. It offers a simple interface, tailored features, and a large user base of mature individuals who are seeking companionship, friendships, or romantic relationships.
5. Silver Singles
SilverSingles is a dating site exclusively for singles over 50. It emphasizes compatibility and offers a detailed personality test to match seniors based on their shared values, lifestyles, and goals.
6. SeniorMatch
SeniorMatch is a dedicated dating site for seniors, providing a safe and supportive platform for older adults to connect. It offers various features, including advanced search options and a community forum, to help seniors find companionship and love.
7. Zoosk
Zoosk is a popular dating site with a broad user base, including a significant number of seniors. It provides a user-friendly interface, interactive features, and a behavioral matchmaking system to help seniors find compatible matches.
8. Christian Mingle
Christian Mingle is a faith-based dating site that caters to seniors who are seeking a partner with similar religious beliefs. It offers a supportive community and features focused on connecting individuals who prioritize their Christian faith.
9. SeniorFriendFinder
SeniorFriendFinder is a social networking site designed specifically for seniors. It enables older adults to connect with like-minded individuals for friendship, companionship, or even romance. The site includes features such as chat rooms and discussion forums to facilitate interactions among members.
10. Stitch
Stitch is a unique dating site that focuses on creating meaningful connections among seniors. It aims to foster relationships beyond romantic interests and encourages socializing, organizing events, and finding companions for various activities.