Online dating is not just for younger generations. Concerning 39 percent of united state grownups have actually used a dating site eventually in their lives, a 2025 study from research company SSRS discovered. In our poll, one participant who waited a year to try online dating said she originally hoped conventional methods of meeting individuals would certainly function but, eventually, she determined she chose limiting possible matches online first to conserve time, power and money.
If you’re thinking of beginning your online dating journey but aren’t sure where to start, these variables can aid direct your selection.
Age variety
One of the first choices to make is the age array you wish to day. Dating websites such as SeniorMatch, Simply Senior Singles and SilverSingles are tailored towards grownups 50 and older, while sites like eHarmony, Match and Bumble are utilized by grownups of every ages.
‘I think it makes sense to use online dating websites for older adults,’ one of our survey participants said. ‘It’s a little easier to find a match based on hobbies, passions and station in life.’
Several platforms enable customers to filter possible matches by age. Nevertheless, some focus group participants stated age filters are not always implemented continually. Costs, a 72-year-old focus group participant, said he frequently experiences much younger users on mainstream websites also when filtering by age. ‘I have nothing in common with a 20-year-old,’ he stated. ‘So why are they showing them to me?’
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If preventing a big age gap is essential to you, a site developed for adults 50 and older may be a better fit.
Objective
Before signing up, think about what you desire from online dating. Identifying your goal can assist you choose a website whose features and culture best match your assumptions. Some people are looking for informal dating, while others may be focused on long-term partnerships or companionship.
Tom, a 69-year-old focus group participant in Edgewater, New Jersey, stated he values delightful experiences even when a partnership does not proceed. ‘I have actually taken pleasure in days that lasted two or 3 hours,’ he stated. ‘We understood we weren’t ideal for every various other, but it was a fun night out.’
Straightforward user interface
Reduce of use was among one of the most heavily heavy factors in our screening. So, we reviewed how much time sign-up took, how comprehensive accounts needed to be, and exactly how intuitive filters and messaging devices really felt.
Some dating applications rely upon swipe-style user interfaces that reveal one account each time. Others use more standard layouts where you can browse a number of profiles at once. Select a system that presents information in a manner that sustains how you intend to satisfy individuals.
Safety and security attributes
Security is an usual concern, especially for older grownups that are new to on the internet dating. Jane, a 66-year-old focus group individual from Las Vegas, stated she initially bothered with scams. ‘I assumed my info would get hacked,’ she stated. ‘But that really did not happen. I signed up with, began dating immediately and discovered it enjoyable.’ She did, however, experience fake accounts on several systems.
Most major dating websites require identity confirmation and secure personal information. SeniorMatch, for instance, makes use of real-time camera confirmation to verify that a user’s face matches their account images, while eHarmony and Match.com verify identity via text.
Watch out for AI-generated profiles and catfishers. In our survey, 41 percent of customers stated they came across a phony account or an individual attempting to scam them.
Are the best online dating sites for seniors risk-free?
Online dating is generally considered risk-free, yet rip-offs do happen. According to the Federal Bureau of Examination’s 2024 Net Crime Record, grownups ages 60 and older lost $389 million to romance rip-offs in 2024. And in a 2026 AARP survey, one in 6 (16%) grownups report that they or somebody they recognize has in fact lost money to a romance scam. Yet over half (55%) of these occurrences are never ever reported.
‘Fraudsters manipulate on the internet dating platforms to construct count on with targets and ultimately demand money under false pretenses, such as medical emergencies or travel expenses,’ claims Darius Kingsley, head of customer scams and rip-off prevention at JPMorgan Chase. He adds that defrauders typically spend time in prolonged interactions to build an emotional link.
‘Older adults can be especially prone because of factors like social seclusion, less experience with electronic innovation, or merely being targeted due to the fact that fraudsters perceive them as even more trusting,’ Kingsley says. He suggests never ever sending money to a person you haven’t met in person and bewaring if a link progresses abnormally fast. ‘Over-the-top love early on can be an indicator of psychological and monetary control,’ he warns.
Fake accounts and love rip-offs are regrettably usual on online dating websites. AARP fraudulence editor Christina Ianzito states romance rip-offs now commonly include another aspect: financial investment rip-offs. She says that after scammers hang out building depend on with a sufferer, they make ‘recommendations that the victim make cryptocurrency financial investments that go straight into the criminals’ pockets.’ Watch out for any individual with motives that surpass making a connection.
Confirming somebody’s identification when feasible, asking thoughtful concerns and trusting your instincts can help you stay risk-free while utilizing dating internet sites.
For assistance and support, the skilled fraud specialists at the cost-free AARP Scams Watch Network Helpline, 877 -908 -3360, can share info on what to do next and exactly how to stay clear of future scams. The AARP Fraud Watch Network also helps with online discussion groups for assistance.
Tips from elders making use of on the internet dating sites
We asked dating professionals and people who proactively use dating apps to share their guidance. Despite which system you select, the objective is to make it benefit you. Below are a few best methods.
Among the greatest stress raised in our focus group was out-of-date photos. ‘I’ll satisfy individuals and they don’t look anything like their pictures, which’s disappointing,’ claimed Nicole, the focus group participant in Athens, Georgia. Asking exactly how recent a person’s pictures are can help set sensible expectations and prevent unpleasant first experiences.
Higher-quality accounts have a tendency to attract even more rate of interest. If you’re new to online dating, do not worry – many sites use motivates and advice. Tom, the focus group participant in New Jacket, claimed the recommendations he received while building his profile throughout sites were particularly handy. Use your profile to reveal your individuality, clarify what you’re looking for and emphasize passions that can spark discussion.
Do this before conference in person
During our focus group, respondents said that moving from messaging to a telephone call to a date was the simplest way to inform whether they were interested in somebody. Our survey data reveals that roughly 3 in 4 participants had fulfilled somebody face to face with an on the internet dating site.
Frequently asked questions
What dating applications are totally free?
Many significant dating platforms use cost-free versions, consisting of eHarmony, Suit, SilverSingles and SeniorMatch. However, several functions – such as messaging, seeing complete profile views and progressed search filters – aren’t offered unless you pay for a subscription.
How do I begin a discussion on a dating app?
Each platform manages messaging in a different way. Some sites call for a shared suit before customers can message each other. As soon as matched, assessing the individual’s account and referencing common passions is a genuine means to begin the discussion, dating specialists state.
What is the most popular dating app for older adults?
Grownups ages 50 and older are five times most likely to utilize Match than Tinder, per Pew Research Center. Still, picking the best dating site depends upon your objectives, convenience level and budget plan.
How can I stay risk-free while making use of online dating websites?
Security is vital. Bigman suggests keeping an eye out for incredibly elusive responses, incongruities or pressure to move also swiftly. Be particularly careful if somebody brings up economic emergencies or requests for money. ‘Never share economic or individual information, despite just how convincing a person appears,’ she states.
