One Senior Place: Single seniors are large portion of population. They're trying dating apps
Q: I want to try a senior dating site. Are they safe?
A: Humans (of every age) are social creatures who crave connection to other humans.
According to the U.S. Census, single seniors currently make up more than 19% of the U.S. population!
Not surprisingly, senior dating sites are a popular option for older adults seeking companionship, friendship — and romance.
Designed with seniors in mind, these free online platforms offer a convenient way to connect with others who share similar interests and values.
Previous One Senior Place columns:
Stay sharp: If you are worried your memory is fading, see a specialist to find out
Is 10,000 steps per day a myth? Not if you're under 60 years of age
Want to age gracefully? Take this advice and live well
Senior dating sites began as a niche within the online dating world.
Launched in 2000, eHarmony is one of the oldest names in the dating industry and still considered to be at the top of its game.
Other big names for the over-60 crowd include Silver Singles, Elite Singles, Christian Mingle and Match, the largest online dating site worldwide.
In the past, older adults with shrinking social circles faced challenges finding suitable partners.
Online dating changed all that, providing a dedicated space for seniors to meet potential matches.
Over the years, refined interfaces and targeting technology have made finding someone actually, well — fun!
How they work
Dating sites have multiple features to help older adults find compatible partners.
They provide suggestions for creating appealing profiles, adding hobbies, interests and relationship preferences.
Seniors can filter potential matches based on criteria like age, location or interests.
The platforms also provide messaging tools to foster connections and enable seniors to initiate conversations.
Do they work?
High ratings and reviews like these suggest seniors are finding what they want.
Mary, 65: "I was skeptical. But through the site, I found John, a wonderful partner who shares my love for ballroom dancing."
Robert, 72: "Being widowed for several years, I felt lonely. Along came Susan, a smart woman with a passion for travel. We are exploring the world, hand in hand."
Be safe
All dating sites recommend users exercise caution and prioritize safety.
Be cautious sharing details like home addresses or financial information until trust is firmly established.
Beware of "romance scams." Report suspicious behavior to the website and don't engage in online financial transactions.
Schedule initial meetings in public spaces to ensure personal safety. Tell a friend or family member where you are going.
If you are a Viera-area single senior (and like meeting people in person) join us at One Senior Place on Sept. 21 for our first-ever Senior Single Mingle.
You can sip champagne, nibble hors d'oeuvres and make new friends. It's all in the name of fun. To RSVP, call 321-751-6771.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, care management and in-home care. Send questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
Don Kramer is the founder and CEO of One Senior Place, with Central Florida locations in Viera and Greater Orlando.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Seniors looking more to dating sites but need to be careful
