Ah, dating in your 60s (or beyond). You’ve been through marriages, breakups, maybe even a til-death-do-us-part situation, and now here you are—single and staring at your phone like it’s a foreign object.
Let’s be honest: dating was hard enough when it involved passing notes in high school or waiting for someone to call your landline. Now? It’s a full-blown sport. But don’t worry—I’m here to help you navigate this brave new world of romance with humor, common sense, and just a dash of caution.
Step One: Deciding If You Actually Want to Date
Before you start swiping like a teenager with a new iPhone, ask yourself:
✅ Do I actually want to date? Or do I just want someone to split a cheesecake with on occasion?
✅ Am I emotionally available? Or am I just bored because Netflix has nothing good right now?
✅ Do I like people enough to try? Because let's be real—some of them are weird.
If you’re nodding along thinking, Yes, I’m ready to put myself out there, then congratulations! Let’s move on.
Step Two: Entering the Digital Dating Jungle
Once upon a time, people met at church picnics, bowling leagues, or when their mothers forced them into a blind date with “a nice boy from a good family.” Today? It’s all about the apps.
Which Dating App Is Right for You?
💖 OurTime – Designed specifically for older adults, which means fewer shirtless gym selfies and more “I own property and a sensible sedan” energy.
💖 SilverSingles – Think of this as the Costco of dating: reliable, well-organized, and full of people looking for commitment.
💖 Tinder – If you’re just looking for a little fun, Tinder is like the Vegas of dating apps—proceed with caution and low expectations.
💖 Facebook Dating – Because Mark Zuckerberg knows everything about your life anyway, why not let him pick your dates, too?
Step Three: Creating a Dating Profile That Won’t Scare People
Your dating profile is your first impression, so let’s avoid the following mistakes:
🚫 Don’t use your driver’s license photo. Yes, it’s recent. No, it does not scream “date me.”
🚫 Avoid the “angry divorcee” bio. Nobody wants to hear about how “all men are trash” or “women only want money.” Maybe later, but not in the first sentence.
🚫 No fish photos. Unless you’re dating in a Bass Pro Shop, we don’t need to see you holding a trout.
Instead, try this:
✅ Smile in your photo. Preferably in good lighting—dim bar selfies make you look like an unsolved mystery case.
✅ Be honest but lighthearted. Example: “Retired, fun-loving, and looking for someone to laugh with over good coffee and bad movies.”
✅ Mention what you’re looking for. If you just want a travel buddy, say so. If you want something serious, let them know.
Step Four: Online Dating Safety (Because Not Everyone Is as Nice as You Are)
Look, I hate to break it to you, but some people are liars. Just because someone has a photo of themselves with a dog does not mean they’re a good person.
🚨 Avoid the Scammers: If someone says they’re an oil tycoon living just outside of town but currently stuck overseas? They’re not real.
🚨 Never Send Money. Ever. Not even if they swear they love you. Especially not if they swear they love you.
🚨 Meet in Public First. A coffee shop. A park. Literally anywhere that isn’t your home.
🚨 Tell a Friend. If your date goes well, great! If not, at least someone knows where to send the search party.
Step Five: Meeting People the Old-School Way
If online dating sounds like a nightmare, don’t worry—you can still meet people organically (yes, it’s possible).
🛒 The Grocery Store – Nothing says romance like arguing over the last ripe avocado.
🐶 The Dog Park – Don’t have a dog? Borrow one. Instant conversation starter.
🎨 Community Classes – Pottery, painting, ballroom dancing—if nothing else, you’ll leave with a new skill.
🧘♂️ Yoga or Fitness Groups – If someone still looks good upside-down, they’re probably worth dating.
☕ Coffee Shops & Bookstores – Bonus: you can judge their taste in literature before you even say hello.
Step Six: Managing Expectations
Not every date will be a fairytale. Some will be awkward. Some will be so awkward you’ll wish you’d stayed home watching reruns of Golden Girls. That’s okay! Dating is about enjoying the process, meeting new people, and maybe, just maybe, finding someone you actually like.
Will you find true love? Maybe. Will you find someone to split a meal with so you don’t have to take home leftovers? Probably. Either way, it’s an adventure.
So go forth, swipe right (carefully), and remember—you’re never too old for a little romance.