Finding other singles when you are over 50 can be quite complicated as opportunities to meet
new people tend to become few and far between. In fact, according to a recent study, one in
six people over the age of 50 in England feel socially isolated. Luckily, online dating is far for being something reserved only for those in their twenties or thirties. Many people over 50 are now also using dating sites to look for a relationship, whether they are recently divorced or whether they have simply not found the right person yet.
Not only are these sites easy to use, they are also a great solution to loneliness and a practical
way to meet new people of the same age.If you are a 50+ single in the market for a serious relationship or just a fling, here are 6 tips that will help you succeed at online dating:
Register with a senior dating website
One of the keys to successful online dating is finding the right website. If you type “online
dating” into Google, you can find all sorts of dating websites: for gay and lesbian people, for
divorcees, for those looking for a serious relationship, a one night stand, even sites dedicated
to those who want an extramarital affair. It’s essential, therefore, that you pick the right one for you. If you are over 50, register with a senior dating site. It will improve your chances of meeting potential matches of your own age and eventually finding love.
Create the perfect online profile
To make other members want to contact and get to know you better, it's advisable to have an
intriguing personal profile. Take the time to write it and include details about yourself such as
your interests, hobbies, and your job. Don’t forget to add what kind of relationship you’re
looking for, to avoid being contacted by people who are definitely not going to match. Try
also to write something a little different than the others, to stand out from the crowd and show
that you’re a unique and interesting person.
Upload a great and recent picture of you
Your picture is the first thing that the other members will see. If you want to make them click
on your profile, you need to choose one or two photos that show you at your best. Avoid
group pictures or those with your pets because they usually don’t have much success.
Instead, choose one that is recent and of good quality. The best profile picture for a dating site
is one of you smiling. Also, give preference to photos where you’re making eye contact with
the camera. Opt for one that shows your full body. A portrait is also fine, as long as it's not a
selfie.
Meet up as quickly as possible
After sending the first message and having a little chat online, it’s time to meet your
prospective match in person. If you prefer a smoother transition, give them a call by phone or
video-chat. In any case, you need to move quickly from virtual conversation to a face-to- face
meeting, to see if you are compatible. Talking online for too long won’t really help you to
identify whether there is a spark between you or not.
Keep your personal details safe
Always protect yourself. When looking for love online, you should never give your personal
details (for instance, your address, phone number and full name) to anyone before you have
had the chance to get to know them better. People with bad intentions could easily track you
and use your personal details. Moreover, always arrange to meet your prospective dates in a
public place, and make sure to inform a friend of where you are going and when.
Being proactive is key
If you want to break your loneliness and find your soulmate, you’ll have to get proactive.
Don’t wait for others to contact you - send them a message first instead. There is also a good
chance that you won’t find Mr. or Mrs. Right straight away, therefore it's best to e-mail
several people at once and multiply those dates with potential matches. Last piece of advice:
don’t hesitate to regularly update your profile and your picture, both of which will help to maximise your odds of finding love.