What to expect dating later in life

The truth is, there are a lot of positives to dating in your 50s and 60s. 

If you’re looking to dive headfirst into the dating pool – or simply dip in a tentative big toe – here’s a little more about what to expect, how to navigate the modern world of online dating, and what to do if finding a partner online is about as attractive to you as a sink full of dirty dishes. 

Dating in your 50s, 60s and beyond

Dating after the age of 50 is undoubtedly a whole new ball game, but one that comes with a variety of benefits you might not have considered. 

Firstly, people at this age generally have a much better idea of who they are and what they want in a partner. They can also be much more confident in communicating those things than they were earlier in life. That can mean you can get to know someone and bond quickly, or simply realise that there’s no future to be had when you both want different things. 

Speaking of wanting different things, in your 20s and 30s there’s a lot of societal pressure about finding ‘the one’, getting married, and having kids. Dating a little later in life doesn’t come with quite the same pressures, so you can move at your own pace and simply enjoy your time together without an invisible clock ticking in the background telling you it’s time to make a lifelong commitment. 

Of course, the nerves and excitement of a first date or a new love are just as thrilling as always, but at least this time around you’ll have a little more wisdom and life experience under your belt. 

Online dating 

According to the 2017 Norton Online Dating Survey an impressive 31% of New Zealand online daters found a partner online. Those can be pretty inspiring odds, especially for homebodies who don’t tend to go out very often. 

There are the standard smartphone apps such as Tinder and Bumble, which are free, easy to use, and widely used (bigger pool, more fish). These apps are quite basic though, which means you’ll be swiping left (no) or right (yes) on people based on a handful of photos and whatever they add to their short bio. 

Senior woman looking at mobile phone smiling

If you’d like a dating website that gives you a bit more information about your potential match, and therefore either rule out or get very interested in each person, try a service such as eHarmony or SinglesOverFifty. These websites are a bit more in-depth so you can learn more about someone before even expressing your interest. 

Here are a few do’s and don’ts when creating a profile! 

Do:

  • Include the key parts of your personality in your profile, from your hobbies to your favourite places to holiday
  • Keep it positive, talk about things you like in a partner rather than don’t like
  • Include a variety of photos. Use photos that are good quality and not too close up 
  • Be wary of potential love scams – if they can’t meet you in person, it could be a scam 
  • Ask for advice on your profile from a trusted friend (especially someone else who uses online dating) 

Don’t:

  • Gloss over your personality – be yourself from day one so you don’t waste time with people you’re not compatible with 
  • Give up after one lacklustre date. Going on lots of dates is totally normal to find someone you really get on with 
  • Go big on a first date – a casual coffee or a walk is easier and less formal than dinner and a movie
  • Forget to check our dating tips for over 60s!

When you’d rather meet in person 

Here are a few places and ideas for meeting in person, have a read and see what you think: 

  • Try a local singles night or speed dating event – plenty of pubs and bars run them regularly
  • Start saying yes to events and catch ups you’re invited to – you never know who you might meet
  • Accept that introduction your friend has been offering 
  • Join a local hobby group for one of your passions (hiking groups, book clubs, etc)
  • Volunteer for a charity, you’ll be doing something good for your community, and anyone you meet here is obviously lovely enough to donate their time!  

Dating later in life can take some navigating. But you know what is simple? Applying for a life insurance policy with New Zealand Seniors. 


15 Oct 2022