Dating Later in Life
Dating in older adulthood is not like it was when you were a teenager or young adult. Not only has the culture shifted, but you’ve grown and learned so much during your lifetime that you’re a completely different person than you were when you were young. Navigating the dating scene can be tricky, but with some practical advice you can look for an ideal partner while having some fun.
Tips for Dating as a Senior
- Be your authentic self. You don’t need to be an idealized version of yourself to be accepted! Share who you really are, and you will find your people. When you’re making that dating profile, post a recent photo of yourself that shows who you are, so that you don’t mislead your date. Be honest about your personal and economic situation, your interests, beliefs, and hobbies, and anything else that will help narrow down your dating pool to people with whom you will actually have a rapport.
- Look your best. You don’t need to be a movie star to be attractive, but good grooming and hygiene can help you make a good impression. When you look like you take care of yourself, you will feel more confident, and that confidence will show.
- Approach dating honestly. It is important to be honest when communicating, particularly when it comes to your intentions and expectations about dating. You don’t have to reveal everything on the first couple of dates, but don’t hide anything that could cause distrust later. As you’re getting to know each other, talk about the things that matter to you so that you can determine whether or not you are compatible.
- Go for a coffee date. Meeting up at a coffee shop is a low-pressure date, and it doesn’t have the time commitment of going out to dinner. If the first date goes well, you can move on to other types of dates in the future. If it doesn’t, it’s easy for either or both of you to duck out of the coffee shop.
- Don’t rush things. Good relationships develop naturally and easily over time, so don’t push your relationship to move more quickly than it naturally would. Instead, take your time getting to know the other person.
- Ditch negative thoughts about aging. Don’t buy into the idea that you are “past your prime” or “too old” to date. People can find love at any age. Additionally, reject the societal pressure to be in a serious relationship or get married. If you want to date purely for the social interaction, it’s perfectly fine to do that, as long as you and whomever you are dating are on the same page.
- Be respectful. Look at dating as a way to get to know about another person and decide if that person is someone with whom you’d like to spend more time. Each person you meet has unique life experience, and each interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. For a friendship to blossom, there must be mutual respect and consideration.
The Secret to Successful Dating
As at any age, the key to successful dating as an older adult is to be willing to put yourself out there and have patience with the process. Don’t be discouraged when first dates don’t go well, and don’t give up on dating if it doesn’t come easily. Be willing to stay the course, keeping a positive mindset, and understanding that the effort you put in could lead to the reward of finding someone who will be a compatible partner for you.
A Great Place for An Active Social Life
Living in a senior living community can provide you with the opportunity to meet new people and live a happy, healthy life. At Parkwood Heights, we prioritize the health and happiness of our residents. We want them to live life to the fullest, as they enjoy all the amenities that make Parkwood a great place to live their best lives. A lovely community in which to spend your retirement, Parkwood Heights is located just minutes from Victor, Fairport, Farmington, and Canandaigua. Our picturesque, 122-acre senior living campus affords many opportunities to enjoy your time with friends and family while enjoying our scenic setting. Call (315) 986-9100 to learn more about all that we have to offer, or check out our website and reach out if you have any questions
