Online dating is not just for younger generations. Concerning 39 percent of U.S. adults have actually used a dating site at some time in their lives, a 2025 survey from research firm SSRS located. In our poll, one participant who waited a year to try online dating said she originally hoped conventional means of conference individuals would certainly work yet, ultimately, she chose she chose limiting possible suits online first to conserve time, power and money.
If you’re thinking about beginning your online dating journey but aren’t certain where to begin, these elements can aid assist your choice.
Age range
Among the first choices to make is the age variety you wish to day. Dating websites such as SeniorMatch, Just Elderly Songs and SilverSingles are geared toward grownups 50 and older, while sites like eHarmony, Match and Bumble are used by adults of every ages.
‘I believe it makes good sense to make use of online dating websites for older adults,’ one of our study participants stated. ‘It’s a little much easier to discover a match based on hobbies, interests and terminal in life.’
Numerous platforms allow customers to filter possible matches by age. Nevertheless, some focus group participants claimed age filters are not always enforced regularly. Costs, a 72-year-old focus group individual, stated he typically comes across much more youthful customers on mainstream sites also when filtering system by age. ‘I have absolutely nothing alike with a 20-year-old,’ he stated. ‘So why are they showing them to me?’
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If staying clear of a big age void is very important to you, a website designed for grownups 50 and older may be a far better fit.
Intention
Prior to registering, think about what you want from on the internet dating. Recognizing your objective can assist you select a website whose attributes and culture best match your expectations. Some individuals are searching for informal dating, while others might be focused on long-term relationships or companionship.
Tom, a 69-year-old focus group individual in Edgewater, New Jacket, said he values pleasurable experiences even when a relationship does not advance. ‘I’ve enjoyed dates that lasted 2 or three hours,’ he said. ‘We knew we weren’t right for each and every other, but it was a fun evening out.’
User-friendly user interface
Reduce of use was one of the most greatly heavy factors in our screening. So, we evaluated how long sign-up took, how thorough profiles needed to be, and exactly how instinctive filters and messaging tools felt.
Some dating applications rely on swipe-style interfaces that show one account at a time. Others supply even more traditional layouts where you can browse numerous accounts at once. Choose a platform that presents info in such a way that sustains just how you intend to fulfill individuals.
Safety features
Security is a typical worry, particularly for older grownups who are new to on-line dating. Jane, a 66-year-old focus group individual from Las Vegas, claimed she originally fretted about scams. ‘I thought my details would certainly get hacked,’ she stated. ‘Yet that didn’t occur. I signed up with, started dating right now and located it pleasurable.’ She did, however, encounter phony profiles on several platforms.
Most significant dating websites require identification verification and encrypt individual information. SeniorMatch, for example, utilizes real-time electronic camera verification to verify that a user’s face matches their account pictures, while eHarmony and Match.com verify identification via sms message.
Watch out for AI-generated accounts and catfishers. In our survey, 41 percent of users claimed they experienced a phony profile or a person attempting to rip-off them.
Are the best online dating sites for seniors secure?
Online dating is generally taken into consideration risk-free, yet frauds do take place. According to the Federal Bureau of Examination’s 2024 Web Criminal offense Report, adults ages 60 and older shed $389 million to love frauds in 2024. And in a 2026 AARP survey, one in 6 (16%) grownups report that they or somebody they understand has in fact lost cash to a love fraud. Yet more than half (55%) of these cases are never ever reported.
‘Fraudsters make use of on-line dating platforms to build depend on with victims and at some point request money under incorrect pretenses, such as medical emergency situations or traveling expenditures,’ states Darius Kingsley, head of consumer scams and scam prevention at JPMorgan Chase. He adds that defrauders frequently spend time in prolonged interactions to develop a psychological link.
‘Older adults can be particularly at risk due to elements like social isolation, much less familiarity with electronic innovation, or merely being targeted due to the fact that fraudsters view them as more trusting,’ Kingsley says. He suggests never sending out cash to a person you have not satisfied personally and bewaring if a connection progresses unusually fast. ‘Excessive affection at an early stage can be a sign of emotional and economic adjustment,’ he alerts.
Phony accounts and love frauds are unfortunately typical on on-line dating sites. AARP scams editor Christina Ianzito says love scams now frequently include an additional element: financial investment frauds. She states that after defrauders hang out building trust fund with a target, they make ‘pointers that the victim make cryptocurrency financial investments that go straight right into the lawbreakers’ pockets.’ Be wary of any individual with intentions that go beyond making a connection.
Confirming a person’s identification when possible, asking thoughtful inquiries and trusting your instincts can help you remain secure while making use of dating web sites.
For support and support, the experienced scams experts at the complimentary AARP Fraudulence Watch Network Helpline, 877 -908 -3360, can share details on what to do next and exactly how to stay clear of future frauds. The AARP Scams Watch Network likewise facilitates online discussion groups for support.
Tips from senior citizens utilizing on-line dating sites
We asked dating specialists and people that proactively utilize dating apps to share their advice. No matter which platform you choose, the objective is to make it help you. Below are a few ideal techniques.
Among the biggest frustrations raised in our focus group was obsolete images. ‘I’ll fulfill individuals and they do not look anything like their pictures, which’s unsatisfactory,’ stated Nicole, the focus group individual in Athens, Georgia. Asking exactly how current a person’s images are can help establish realistic expectations and stay clear of unpleasant very first encounters.
Higher-quality accounts tend to attract even more interest. If you’re new to on-line dating, do not worry – many websites offer motivates and guidance. Tom, the focus group individual in New Jersey, said the tips he got while constructing his profile throughout sites were especially handy. Utilize your account to show your character, clarify what you’re trying to find and emphasize rate of interests that can spark discussion.
Do this before meeting in person
Throughout our focus group, respondents claimed that relocating from messaging to a telephone call to a date was the simplest method to tell whether they had an interest in somebody. Our survey data reveals that about 3 in 4 participants had actually satisfied a person personally with an online dating website.
FAQs
What dating applications are complimentary?
Most major dating systems supply totally free variations, including eHarmony, Match, SilverSingles and SeniorMatch. Nevertheless, many features – such as messaging, seeing total account sights and progressed search filters – aren’t readily available unless you pay for a registration.
Exactly how do I begin a conversation on a dating app?
Each platform handles messaging in a different way. Some sites call for a common suit prior to individuals can message each other. As soon as matched, evaluating the person’s profile and referencing shared rate of interests is an authentic means to start the discussion, dating experts say.
What is one of the most preferred dating application for older adults?
Adults ages 50 and older are 5 times most likely to use Match than Tinder, per Church Bench Research Center. Still, selecting the right dating website relies on your goals, comfort level and spending plan.
How can I stay secure while using on-line dating sites?
Safety and security is vital. Bigman recommends looking out for evasive solutions, inconsistencies or stress to relocate also swiftly. Be particularly careful if a person brings up economic emergencies or asks for money. ‘Never ever share financial or individual information, regardless of just how convincing a person seems,’ she claims.