Even though senior citizens are acknowledged as being older and wiser, it does not mean that they do not experience anxiety, apprehension, or butterflies when considering dating. Nor does it mean that they do not have the same concerns about dating as younger generations. In fact, dating for seniors can be more difficult than it is for younger dating singles for a number of reasons. 

It is not uncommon for a senior to have experienced the loss of a long-loved husband or wife. As such, associated grief can influence his or her decision to date again. Also, elder individuals may have some health issues or physical disabilities that may cause apprehension about meeting someone new. Merge these potential hurdles with the pressure of finding a new partner and the thought of dating can be more than daunting. Thankfully there are ways to make the transition easier.

It is certainly difficult to face finding a new senior love interest after spending a lifetime with someone else. Feelings of sadness over the loss and guilt of replacing a spouse can be soothed by this cliché: “we’re just friends.” By starting senior dating with this perspective, both parties can enjoy what life has to offer without feeling guilty or pressured, since the spotlight is no longer on meeting a new mate or replacing a previous one.

Helpful first date tips for seniors:

• Start with meeting for coffee or a cocktail. Such an encounter allows for a quick exit if things do not work out, or can be extended to include lunch or dinner if they do.

• If starting with something active is preferable, it is important to take into consideration potential physical disabilities and health issues. For example, if your date happens to be recovering from hip replacement surgery, your surprise roller skating date might not work out too well.

• Have a backup date plan. This is can prove extremely helpful in situations where you discover your date may be uncomfortable (consider the roller skating scenario above).   

• Find common topic of conversation interests such as traveling, pets, or mutual life experiences (i.e. having grown up in the “hippie” era) and save the “serious stuff” for later.

With all of this knowledge under the belt, how do single seniors start dating? There are a variety of online dating sites specifically for single seniors but not all seniors are internet savvy. For this reason a local senior dating service might prove more efficient. Such services are familiar with and can recommend senior singles groups and social senior gatherings. Here, planned events offer great opportunities for seniors to mingle. So, what are you waiting for? It is time to date!