Over 50 Dating Sites

It’s February and love is officially in the air. But if you’re on-the-go, or perhaps someone who typically enjoys Nude Celebs Blog his or her regular routine at home, what are the best options for meeting other like-minded people interested in friendship or even more serious relationships? The answer just might be online dating.

While you may or may not have explored online dating, it can definitely be a new concept to baby boomers and others who grew up in the time before social media (and the proliferation of online tools like email and Facebook). That said, it is encouraging to know that online daters are not alone. In fact, nearly 20 million people visit at least one online dating site every month, and 120,000 marriages take place yearly as a result of online dating.

The stigma of online dating as being only for those unable to find success in the “real world” has been removed, replaced with the idea that online dating sites are simply a more efficient way of dating. In fact, Wired Magazine once made the analogy that not using an online dating tool would be as silly as skipping the card catalog at the library in order to aimlessly wander the shelves, hoping to “accidentally” find the right book. Using online tools can mean smarter dating… if you’re using the right sites.

So how do you find the right site for you? Today the options for dating sites are wide-ranging, segmented by every race, hobby, religion, and city. But, just as there are dangerous neighborhoods in the real world you should avoid, there are online sites that can be shady and untrustworthy as well. Your best bet is to stick to the established, proven sites that offer stringent screenings, security measures, and encourage more meaningful profiles. In all situations, practice safety (especially when meeting someone in person for the first time), read the fine print (especially in payment terms), be honest about who you are and what you’re looking for, and approach new relationships with cautious optimism.

Here are three of the top dating sites for the 50+ crowd:

1. Match.com

With Match’s television commercials featuring young people, you may assume that this site would not be appropriate for older adults. On the contrary, match.com features the largest user base of seniors anywhere. As one of the most established online dating sites, match.com combines features like an inbox, “winks” and “likes” to indicate interest in other users, daily matches you can accept or reject, and a connections tab to show all users with whom you’ve been in recent conversation. With an approved profile, you can also participate in in-person “Stir” events based on your interests and locations, ranging from wine tasting to dancing to cooking classes. Unlike many free sites, match.com has a dedicated fraud detection team constantly scanning the site for suspicious behavior and has partnered with the National Cyber Security Alliance to emphasize the importance of remaining safe when using the site.

2. Zoosk.com

Employing their patented Behavioral Matchmaking™ system and a newly enhanced site, Zoosk promises better matches, more results for active seniors to choose from, and an easier way to navigate the site. With a unique carousel feature for viewing other profiles, it’s easy to sort through potential matches one at a time, and the site also serves up daily matches. Zoosk “learns” to improve its matching service by recording your answers to survey questions and watching your behaviors (who you choose to like and who you dismiss, for example). Zoosk offers both free and paid subscription options.

3. OurTime.com

OurTime offers an active online community specifically targeted to the 50+ crowd, with the stated mission of helping those looking for “the one” — whether that means a soul mate or a new best friend. One helpful tool is the sites’ online magazine that features success stories and tips on improving your profile, arranging the perfect first-time meeting, and generally making the most of the dating process. While it is free and easy to create a profile, you must upgrade before you’re actually able to use it (free profiles do not allow you to send messages or to read or reply to any messages received). A “browse” feature allows you to specify your interests to improve search results, and you can even browse users currently online.

Taking the plunge into the world of online dating can be a bit daunting but, as the statistics show, it’s proving to be an easy and efficient way to meet new people. Take some time to read the sites’ tips and advice sections, take is slowly, be honest and up-front, and you just might find a whole new network of friends to share in the golden years of life.

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Megan Hammons

Megan Hammons lives in the Central Texas countryside just outside of Austin, pursuing her love for copywriting after a career in high-tech marketing. She is part of a large, diverse family and enjoys spending time with the multiple generations living in her community.