Are you single? One in four Australian households is a lone-person household. The Australian Institute of Family Studies also states that ‘living alone is slightly more common with women than men, and the chance of living alone increases with age.’
A recent Sydney Morning Herald article cited a 2023 Australian Seniors report “Love over 50” showed 29% of singles over the age of 50 are positive about their single status. That “their single status positively influences their happiness”. I think we would all feel that at times! Whilst the main reasons over 50’s shared that they didn’t like being single were loneliness, fear of aging alone, missing physical intimacy, loss of shared experiences and lack of emotional support.
Challenges of dating again
It’s natural to have worries and fears about dating – to meet someone who could become more than a friend. No matter what your age it takes courage to put yourself out there and risk being rejected.
The dating landscape and culture has probably changed more than you would like. You’re also a different person now. You’ve been through life’s roller coaster of past relationships, perhaps you’ve had children and you’re now an empty nester. People of a similar age that you will meet also have their own stories, emotional journeys, hurts and potential relationship baggage.
This may mean a very different dating experience for you. Conversations will be deeper and on the positive side all the more richer and interesting.
The more you understand yourself, what you’ve learnt over your own life so far and what you are looking for in a partner – the better you will be able to navigate today’s dating scene.
The positives of dating over 50
You’re wiser and more experienced, and don’t forget that!
You’re going to be around people who’ve had life experiences, they’ll also know what they’re looking for and the type of person and interests that will compliment them for a more successful partnership. That means less risk of people wasting each other’s time.
The main key message is to just get started. Most likely, when you do eventually go on a date, the other person is going to feel the same way as you do. A bit tentative but also hopeful! At the end of the day, we all want someone who respects and cares for us, a partner to find comfort with, share our thoughts and many laughs with.
How to meet people
Through people you know
Potentially your first port of call – your friends and family. If they can arrange introductions for you with people that they know and who they think could be suitable, why not let them know that you’d be interested in dating!
Hobbies and interests
Of course, it would be fantastic to meet someone who has a shared interest. That could be from your church community or exercise classes, a walking group and hobbies. The main thing here is to try getting a bit more social and starting a conversation with people who you haven’t spoken to previously. You just may click and those regular conversations can lead to an invitation to catch up for a coffee or a lunch and from there, who knows!
In any event, meeting new people and going out socially is one sure cure for any loneliness that you may be feeling.
Online dating apps
It’s understandable that you might be reluctant to start using dating apps. They are unfamiliar and can feel very impersonal. Not to mention the horror stories we’ve all heard about being scammed or being ghosted (when someone loses interest and suddenly starts ignoring all your attempts at contact without having enough respect to let you know that they’re no longer interested!).
If you are considering joining a dating app, be sure to do a bit of research online by reading customer reviews and also asking your single friends about their experiences meeting people through particular dating apps. There is an investment of time in setting up your profile, joining fees as well as reviewing people’s profiles and determining whether you think they are ‘the real deal’!
Do be cautious when dating online. It’s wise to have some safety measures in place when meeting someone from an online platform, especially for first dates. For instance, always let someone know where you’re going and who you’ll be meeting. While anyone can present themselves in any way online, having someone aware of your plans can provide an added layer of security and peace of mind. This approach helps avoid potentially unfavourable situations and ensures a safer dating experience.
Professional dating service
Happily, there’s still such a thing as professional matchmakers! At Vital Partners, we are a dating service with a difference. We are here to assist single men and single women who are genuinely looking for a committed relationship. Our services include dating introductions for older singles who have enjoyed enough life experience that they now know what they are looking for to fill what’s been missing in their life.
The benefit of a dating agency is that not only is this their professional job, but they are also vetting their members to make sure that they are genuinely single and ready for a committed relationship. This is definitely not a given with a dating app or casual introductions.
Think about the difference, anyone can go online and set up a profile – but only someone really invested in finding a new quality relationship will go through the process of meeting with a matchmaker and paying for this bespoke and personal service.
Professional matchmakers will also get to know you, understand the positives and negative relationships and dating experiences you’ve had, and they’ll find the right match. Your matchmaker is having the same probing conversations with potential singles to consider who they may recommend to you.
Where to next?
Don’t be lonely. Find activities to meet new people. Be sure about what you’re looking for in a relationship and potential partner, and get started!
Visit here for more relationship inspiration and content.
Vital Partners are a matchmaking service in Sydney and Canberra. We are experts in dating for professionals, executive dating and for those looking for a quality experience with exceptional personal customer service. We’re here to guide you through every stage of your romantic journey. Let us be the introduction agency to help you find that special person who will enrich your life.
References: seniors.com.au
