1. “ I enjoy doing things by
myself but it’s awfully
nice to be able to go to a
movie or restaurant or
something with a
companion and talk to
somebody of the opposite
sex who has that point of
view.”
- 67 year old Female
Should I date? Or even be
interested? The answer is Yes, and
Yes!. You may have suffered
through the loss of a spouse,
divorce, the bachelor life, or
normal aging, but that does not
mean you should not experience
the fulfillment of dating and
companionship once more. And
never should you believe that
“Dating is for the young” or you
are “too old to date. Older Adults
are living longer, with more active
life styles, with the need for
companionship, affection, and love
remaining constant (Dickson,
Hughes, & Walker, 2005).
So, you’re reconsidering your
thoughts on dating after sixty and
now are stuck. How can you get
back into the dating scene?
AARP and AMMC The
American Association of Retired
People and The Association of
Mature American Citizens are non-
profit membership organizations
for individuals 50 and older that
are “dedicated to enhancing the
quality of life for all as we age.”
Both associations offer monthly
bulletins and online networks that
provide information on meeting
people, dating,
s e x , a n d
intimacy. With
A A R P a n d
A M M C yo u
are informed of
s o c i a l
g a t h e r i n g s ,
education on
t h e m o s t
c u r r e n t
research, and
tips from the
experts.
Community Centers Your
city, or a neighboring city may have
a community based program that
solely serves individuals who are 55
and older. These centers are a
great place for those who are
getting back into the dating scene.
These community based programs
are no longer the drab “Senior
Centers.” Most community centers
offer education and activity classes,
social functions, and trips to various
leisure destinations.
Online Dating Using online
dating sites are a quick and easy
way to find a
companion. You
will be able to get
to know someone
without feeling a
pressure to rush
into things. These
sites are now
being accessed by
a large amount of
s e n i o r s. E ve n
AARP supports
their use!
Should I date? Or even be interested?
Sixty and Single
Dating is a long-term
commitment that serves to
reduce anxiety and
provides an opportunity for
self-disclosure and love.
(Dickson, Hughes, & Walker, 2005)
Dating among later-life
adults is good for health,
sense of self, and well-
being.
(Dickson, Hughes, & Walker, 2005)