Best Dating Sites for Seniors

Dating websites overwhelmingly focus on younger couples, but many seniors have active dating lives, and there’s a growing number of online dating sites that have options for seniors, or even focus exclusively on older people.

Whether you are divorced, widowed, or still looking for “the one”, these five dating websites for seniors are a great way to get into the dating scene and enjoy your golden years with a vibrant social life.

Even if you aren’t looking for love, some websites have options for those simply looking for friendship and companionship.

Match.com

Whether you’re a widower or just a single senior, dating over 50 can be overwhelming. A dating site like Match.com makes things easier. 

Match.com is a site that has been around for about 20 years give or take, so it’s garnered a positive reputation.

One of your biggest worries, if you’re dipping into the digital dating pool for the first time, can be setting up a profile, but Match makes it easy and allows you to set up your profile step-by-step with instructions. 

Though you do have to pay to sign up for Match (the free version isn’t really worth your time, especially if you’re looking for serious companionship) this website is so sure of itself that they have a six-month guarantee; if you don’t find a partner in six months, you’ll get the next six months of the service for free! 

There are some definite perks to using Match.com. There are millions of people on the site, so  you’re bound to find at least a handful you connect with.

There’s a social component to this site that others don’t have, so you’re likely to be paired with people you have more in common with. You’re free to look for a just friends situation or long-term love.

Each day, you can scroll through your feed to see who catches your eye, or check out the five daily matches the site chooses for you.

It’s worth noting that out of all the dating sites out there, Match.com has the highest percentages of seniors! There are definitely plenty of people to select from on this site. 

Using Match.com is simple and doesn’t require too much tech know-how, and for a cost, you can customize and tailor your experience to adjust your experience, such as using ‘add-ons'(called Power-Ups) like receiving read receipts or promoting your profile. 

There are three levels of membership: Free (very limited options), Standard (probably the best for seniors just starting out) and Premium (offers a few additional Power-Ups included). 

Silver Singles

A site that’s meant solely for seniors, Silver Singles has a lot to offer. It’s also recommended for seniors 50 and over who aren’t looking for a casual hookup, but a long-term romance that may even lead to marriage.

When you join Silver Singles, you’re asked to fill out a detailed questionnaire with 100 questions that cover all of the bases. This allows the site to zero in on potential matches you have the most in common with.

Are you college-educated and would like to meet someone of similar intelligence? This site boasts that 80% of its members are university graduates, something not every matchmaking site can promise.

Silver Singles is a bit pricier than other sites, but it may be worth the cost if you’re looking for love. This site delves deep into the science of matching, using encryptions and algorithms to match similar personalities and interests at a higher level than just base common interests. 

Like using your smartphone? You’ll enjoy that Silver Singles has a compatible app for Android and Apple users so you can check your matches on the go. 

It’s not uncommon for seniors dating online to worry about safety; we all watch the news. Silver Singles focuses on that and can help protect your privacy a bit more than other sites.

Silver Singles does work differently than Match.com and some other well-known dating sites. Instead of scrolling through matches to see who catches your eye, you’ll get a list of five potential partners each day to scrutinize. 

You can also use filters to view other matches based on how compatible you are via the questionnaire you filled out. You can decide if you want to contact one of these matches or not based on what common interests you have. 

There are two levels of membership, Basic and Premium, and the Basic membership doesn’t really have much to offer. 

SeniorMatch

Not necessarily looking to jump into a relationship, but you’d really love to have someone to see a movie with or grab coffee together? Then SeniorMatch.com may be right up your alley.

Instead of focusing on romance, SeniorMatch places a bit more emphasis on companionship, which is important for seniors who may be lonely. It’s pretty affordably priced, especially if you spring for a longer commitment, and it’s fun and easy to use.

SeniorMatch lets you peruse the site for free, but if you want to communicate, you’ll need to get a paid membership. What’s cool about this site is it’s got categories for different interests and hobbies, so you can immediately find someone else who also likes to travel or watch live music as much as you do. 

It’s easy to use and also has a compatible app for your smartphone. Nobody under the age of 45 is allowed to join SeniorMatch, so you know you’re dealing with a more mature demographic right away. 

Navigating both the site and the app is user-friendly, and instead of the site matching you with potential mates, you’re free to match yourself based on scrolling through and looking at other members. 

Most dating sites offer a free membership that doesn’t let you actually do much. However, SeniorMatch does let you talk to other members with its free service, but they have to reach out to you first.

So, what’s the difference between the paid membership and the free? You can initiate talks without waiting for someone to contact you first. You also have more filters to choose from when you’re searching for specifics in a partner or friend. 

This site makes payment easy. They don’t have different levels of membership, just one. And, with lots of features with the free membership, you can definitely have a look around the site to see if it offers what you’re looking for before you commit to a membership. 

eHarmony

You’ve likely seen commercials for eHarmony. This site specializes in people who are looking to get married, seniors included. So if you’re looking for long-term love from a reputable site, eHarmony fits the bill. 

eHarmony also offers you a guarantee. If you don’t find a partner in three months, you’ll get three months of membership for free. 

They’re secure in their efforts to find you love, and maybe they should be; they rank first nationwide when it comes to the most successful marriages to come out  of a dating site/application. 

So, how does eHarmony work? You’ll fill out a long list of questions that focuses on many aspects of your life and personality. They’ll help you find matches if you don’t feel like scrolling through endless profiles.

The site works with a scientific algorithm that uses 29 different elements to match its members. There are also numerous users on this site, so you have a better chance of meeting someone you’ll really click with; eHarmony boasts a membership of over 700,000 members. 

For seniors who are also concerned about safety, eHarmony screens for sex offenders, which can guarantee some peace of mind, especially for senior women who may be nervous about being alone with a potential partner for the first time. 

They also screen for fraudulent accounts. You also have the ability to block users who are bugging you or you don’t feel comfortable talking to. 

eHarmony’s been around since 2000, so you can feel confident that they’re doing something right. Payment plans come at different levels, so you can choose different features and benefits depending on how much you want to pay per month.

You may be interested in knowing that eHarmony is a Christian-based website, if that matters to you. 

Worth noting: eHarmony is one of the most expensive dating options. But, they do also have a compatible app for added convenience. 

OurTime

Lastly, OurTime is another good option for seniors. Again, the site doesn’t just focus on romance, but on friendship and companionship too, so you don’t have that pressure on you to find love right away if you aren’t ready.

Pricing is just one level, and you can pay for one month or six months. If online dating makes you nervous, OurTime is here to ease your mind. It’s very casual and not as overwhelming as some marriage-minded sites.

It’s also quite user-friendly, straightforward, and you don’t have to answer a million questions to find matches. It’s low maintenance and there aren’t a lot of bells and whistles, which is perfect if you haven’t dated in years and you’re kind of nervous. 

It’s owned by the same company that owns Match.com, so it’s a reputable site. It’s easy to contact people and communicate, and, better yet, there are tons of articles with dating advice on the site, just in case you’re feeling kind of rusty. 

OurTime is known for having lots of local options too, so you may have a better shot at finding companions in your area. 

When it comes to filling out the profile, the questions aren’t as in-depth as sites like eHarmony and Match. You’ll only answer a handful of questions, but you’ll get to select from matches with similar interests and hobbies as you have. 

You’ll be matched with five potential partners a day, and you can pretty much yay or nay those based on their profiles. If you see one you like, feel free to reach out.

This service also includes a compatible mobile app. There are a few different membership levels, and you can try the free version first to see if you like it. 

Pricing is affordable, and this service offers some perks others don’t. You can give people you like cute little virtual gifts. You can use the site’s instant messaging service to safely communicate without giving away your own information. 

And, you can use ‘tokens’ you purchase for extras and add-ons, such as promoting your profile. 

Why Should Seniors Use Dating Sites?

Your kids are grown and gone and have their own lives. You may not have local friends, and your spouse may have passed on or you may have gone through a painful divorce.

Either way, most seniors over 50 find themselves in a situation they’ve never been in before: completely alone. Even if you meet other seniors for bingo or bridge, you’re still likely spending quite a bit of time alone.

So how do you meet people? Going to church, you’ll see the same people you’ve likely known for years. Maybe you’re too introverted to just strike up a conversation in the library or grocery store.

Perhaps you’re nervous about going to mixers or even bingo night. For whatever reason, meeting people in person just isn’t your thing. This is where dating sites come in, and many of these boast successful numbers when it comes to marriages and long-term partnerships.

The great thing about dating sites is that you can choose potential partners on your own terms. You’re in control. Also, not all of these sites place emphasis on romantic connections, so you may end up just finding a friend to go do fun things with.

There’s no pressure, but it’s a fun and exciting way to meet someone whether it’s for friends or more. The sites are user-friendly, and let’s face it, for seniors who don’t get out much, meeting people is a challenge.

Instead of letting your family members set you up on potentially horrifying blind dates or going to awkward senior activities, why not find your own potential love interest yourself? Put it in your own hands.

When meeting people the old-fashioned way, it can be hard to find someone who shares your unique interests, and you don’t want to waste time spending hours with someone you know you just don’t click with.

Skip the getting-to-know-you steps and read all about your future friend or partner with profiles, questions, and lifestyle surveys that allow you to get to know a bit more about someone than a first date may reveal.

Also, if safety is a concern, many of these sites keep that in mind and go the extra mile to protect your privacy.

It can be hard to get to know people by talking to them in person, especially if you are nervous. Online, you can feel more free to ask questions you may be embarrassed to ask in person.

Also, you can look at photos and get a good idea of what someone looks like before you ever meet them in person, so there’s no surprises.

There are many benefits to online dating for seniors. At this point in your life, what do you have to lose?

Many seniors find online dating truly fun, and it’s a good way to add some spark to your life and alleviate the loneliness that can come with this part of your life.

Why not enjoy the second half of your life? You have so many great years ahead! Imagine spending them with someone who likes the same music you do, also enjoys going antiquing, or is a great companion for jazz music in the park on weekends or shopping for the first edition of your favorite book.

You don’t have to be alone, and with sites like this, a lot of the work is done for you.

Depending on what level of commitment you’re looking for, you can make the call whether you’re looking for friendship or it’s been awhile and you’d like to fall in love again.

It’s definitely okay to be independent and be alright with being alone, but sometimes, it’s a lot more enjoyable to share things with someone else, especially as we age and don’t take any moment for granted.

Make new memories with someone special!

Considerations When Choosing a Dating Site

So, you Google dating sites for seniors, and pages and pages of options come up. How do you zero in on the right one?

If you know you can only afford to purchase a membership to one site, how do you select the one that’s right for you?

Keep these considerations in mind as you peruse these apps and sites to determine which one will lead you to your next love…or new best friend.

Looking for Love or Friendship?

Some sites are known for matches leading to marriage, while others are advertising a connection that’s more casual.

You know what you want, so let that dictate what type of site you sign up for.

The Price of Love

Prices vary when it comes to dating sites. That being said, when you sign up for a longer term (such as one year as opposed to monthly or six months) you’ll be spending less.

However, all of these sites have varying price points, so weigh the features and benefits of each one before deciding which one is worth your money.

Benefits and Perks

Are some features more important to you than others? Do you want the site to match you, or do you want to pick your own potential mate?

Do you like the idea of flirting, or do you just want to get in there and communicate? Do you want to see who’s looked at your profile?

Each site has its share of features that you may find useful or fun. Check these out before you subscribe.

Free Tryout

It’s pretty imperative that you go for a site that lets you sign up for free and take a look around before you commit to a membership.

You may find you don’t like what you see, or you may end up enjoying a site you weren’t sure about.

Getting to Know You

Want to know everything about a person, or would you prefer getting to know them a bit more organically?

Some sites make you fill out numerous questions, and some only skim the surface. This depends on how much you want to know up front.

It may make you more comfortable to know more, or you may want to discover the mystery of someone new as time goes by.

Compatible App

You’re attached to your smartphone, and you use it for just about everything.

So, obviously, you’d like a dating site that offers a compatible app so you can check in with your matches while you’re on the go or just hanging out at home.

Not all sites have this option, so make a note to check before you commit.

The Cougar Life

Not interested in meeting men under 40? Don’t want to go out on a date with a woman young enough to be your granddaughter? Then screen sites for age requirements.

Some sites do allow more flexibility with ages, while some have stringent rules about how old you have to be to sign up.

User-Friendliness

Confused about how to set up a profile? Not exactly computer proficient? You may want to focus on finding a site that guides you as you go along in order to complete your profile with assistance.

Some sites also have a customer service number you can call if you run into trouble, which can be helpful if you’re not exactly confident in your computer skills.

Which Dating Site for Seniors Should You Sign Up For?

Now it’s down to the nitty gritty. Which site should you actually commit to? You need to ask yourself a few questions.

Are you marriage-minded? Then head to Match.com or eHarmony for best results when it comes to long-term love.

More interested in just friends than lovers? OurTime is a little looser when it comes to matching you with more casual situations. SeniorMatch is also a good option if you’re not sure what you’re looking for just yet.

Want to know everything about someone before that first date? Silver Singles and Match.com make you fill out extensive profiles to register.

Scared you’ll end up with a pervert? Not to worry. eHarmony screens specifically for sex offenders, and Silver Singles takes that extra step when it comes to protecting your online privacy.

You may also check to make sure sites screen for fraudulent accounts, as most do these days.

Need an app for that? Check out Silver Singles, OurTime, and SeniorMatch to enjoy browsing profiles while you’re out instead of having to sit in front of your computer to see your matches.

Is budget your primary concern? OurTime and SeniorMatch are budget-friendly, especially if you go ahead and commit to a year.

Looking for romance and want a guarantee? Try eHarmony and Match, who promise you free months of dating if you don’t find love within a certain time frame.

Not tech-savvy at all and worried about how you’ll navigate a dating app? Try SeniorMatch, it’s known for its ease of use.

Frequently Asked Questions About Senior Dating Sites

Is dating online safe for me?

It is generally safe to date online, but you need to take precautions to ensure your own safety.

Make sure you always meet in a public place, and don’t let a new friend know where you live or give them your phone number.

If you feel uncomfortable, suggest a double date with another couple to act as a buffer.

Another idea is to have a girlfriend or family member call you in the middle of the date and use a code word between you in case you need to get out of the rest of the date.

Above all else, trust your own instincts. If something feels off in your gut, leave.

What kind of profile photo do I use to attract attention?

Use a photo that looks like you. Many people make the mistake of using what they consider their best photos, which may mean dressed in formal wear or wearing more makeup than usual.

People respond to natural-looking photos where you’re not overly posed. And make sure to smile!

How do I know I can trust someone I meet online?

Again, you need to trust your gut. And, if you’re especially worried about meeting someone trustworthy, select a site that runs background checks.

Also, go on multiple dates before revealing anything too personal. Never give out information such as your financials or private business to a stranger.

Why should I use a dating site? Can’t I just meet someone in real life?

A dating site is quick and convenient, and like you, there are many lonely seniors looking for company.

Meeting someone the old-fashioned way is great, and it does happen, but it can take time, and you may want someone to enjoy your life with sooner rather than later.

You also may want to get married again. Plus, dating sites make it easy for you to find someone you have a lot in common with.

What if I am gay? Do senior dating sites cater to LGBTQ seniors?

Some do. SeniorMatch and Silver Singles offer gay seniors the opportunity to look for same-sex friends or partners.