Putting yourself out there into the world of dating can be a daunting prospect at any age, but if you're single and ready to mingle in your 50s, 60s or above, it can be downright terrifying.
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Whether you think you've been out of the game too long or you just feel too 'mature' to enjoy flirting and going on dates, it's time to think again. With most of us living well into our eighties, it makes perfect sense that singles over 50 should be taken just as seriously when it comes to finding love as those in their 20s.
As more and more of us have easy access to the internet, it's no surprise that online dating has seen a surge in single members over 50, who are reaping the rewards of a more technological approach to courting. Leading online dating website SeniorSinglesNear.Me specialises in connecting over 50s for fun, friendship and romance - and as such they've compiled a list of reasons why dating post-50 is even more fun than ever before!
Dating Triggers 'Youthful' Emotions
Meeting new potential partners releases a whole cocktail of endorphin-laced chemicals into the brain, designed to help us fall in love. These chemicals are the same, whether we're 16 or 60. Whether or not a relationship is successful, the act of dating itself creates a sense of mystery and excitement which, if we've been in a long-term relationship for some time, can create the sensation of being a teenager again.
You're More Likely To Travel
A recent study by the National Travel Survey confirmed that people in their 60s are far more likely to travel than those in their 20s or 30s. Whether it's a trip to the beach or a weekend in Paris, singles over 50 are breaking the out-dated stereotype that older people prefer home comforts by making more trips than any other age group - and what better way to get to know a new partner than by exploring the world together?
You Know Who You Are
Unlike our 20-year-old selves who thought they had everything figured out despite knowing very little about the world, over 50s have an increased sense of self-awareness and self-confidence. You've lived through dating disasters and you know what you like (and dislike). In fact, women over 50 are reported to feel more self-assured in their choices and say they trust themselves more than they did at 25. Great news for dating - with more self-confidence, you're far less likely to choose a partner and regret it later down the line.
You're Under Less Pressure
In your 20s and 30s the amount of pressure you're under can be extreme, and it has the potential to affect your dating choices. Whether it's the pressure to build a great career, hints from your parents to find a partner and marry quickly, or to have a few kids before your biological clock stops ticking, even casual dating can be high-pressure situations in which you're less free to choose what you truly want. Dating in your 50s, however, usually means there's less pressure to have a family or find a work-life balance. Less pressure means more enjoyable dating for both parties.
You've Gained Perspective
By the time we're in our 50s and 60s, we know what's important. That fight you had with your partner when you were 22 felt like the biggest deal in the world, but the same situation today would be a different story. At some point we'll all have encountered issues in our lives which have shown us what's really important. Having perspective means you're able to enjoy each other as partners knowing life is precious - and that minor worries are just that: minor.
You Have More Free Time
If you've retired, you'll have far more time to spend dating or building quality memories with a new partner. If you have children, chances are your parental duties are far less than they were 10 years ago, and your family commitments are easier to manage. With more time on your hands than when you were in your 20s, you'll be able to give more time to dating than you did previously, and hopefully you'll both know more great places to visit, eat and drink!
You Can Skip The Small Talk
Over the years you've gained real life experience, building up a reservoir of interesting events, memories and achievements to share with your dates. In our 20s we're more likely to resort to small talk which can lead to an unsatisfying dating experience. Becoming older really does makes you much more interesting company, and research shows that sharing real, deep information with potential new partners not only makes dates more enjoyable but also heightens the level of intimacy between new partners.
You Have More Stability
In our 50s and 60s we're much more likely to have a stable life - we have a permanent address, a network of friends and family and a career or interest we're invested in. As stability increases, you're much more able to make commitments than you were in your 20s when life wasn't always so predictable. Meeting someone who fits into your lifestyle becomes more realistic, making relationships less volatile and more suited to long-term success.
You Qualify For Discounts
Every penny counts, and one of the perks of getting older is that you're back in the land of amazing discounts you haven't enjoyed since you were a student or young adult. Whether it's bus or rail fare to take a trip to the countryside or amazing dinner and theatre deals, everyone loves the opportunity to get more bang for their buck. Embrace it and start making the most of amazing senior discounts when dating!
You're Never Too Old To Stop Having Fun
Age really is just a number, and whether you're 20 or 60, fun is never off-limits when it comes to dating. Confidence is key, so take your years of life experience, wisdom and self-trust and try putting yourself out there on the dating scene. Whatever the outcome, rest assured that dating in your golden years is just as fun (if not more so) than when you were a spring chicken.
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