There is no age limit to finding love
Not all that many years ago, people were considered quite old when they reached the age of sixty. In the past, those over sixty would be swept under the proverbial rug, that’s no longer the case. Now, more seniors than ever are staying fit and active.
Do not be afraid to fall in love now and find someone whom you can share the golden years of your life. Having a little romance, or more, does not hurt however challenging it may be. A life shared with other people is still the best for most people. As cliche as it may sound, no man is truly an island. People color your life with their different personalities. We live to live with other people, and we exist because other people exists.
Add to that the major advances in nutrition and medicine and people are having a high quality of life as they get older. When compared to previous generations, senior citizens of today are much more vibrant and vital. But what if you are about that age and are looking for a romantic partner? To put it simply, over sixty dating can be a rewarding and very fun experience.
According to Wendell K. Cribbs, the renowned internet author, and relationship expert, no matter how old we are, dating and relationships are vital to a happy personal life and positive mental attitude.
We need to foster intimate relationships, in spite of any anxiety or fear, and regardless of our age. In fact, the majority of the feelings of hesitancy are not based on fact or actual experience but are rather contrived within their own mind.
To quote Cribbs, he goes on to say, “Over sixty dating isn’t something anyone has to be afraid of. “
To be sure, senior dating can be both fun and exciting. As we near retirement age, many of the problems faced by younger people that are dating are not much of a concern for seniors, if they are present at all. Choosing a career, starting a family, and many other issues just don`t get in the way. That`s one of the main reasons why over sixty dating can be more relaxed and not have as much pressure attached to it.
Senior Dating Experiences
The only way to find out the truth of the matter when it comes to dating over sixty, is by learning about the many experiences from actual people. Here are some testimonials to let you know how senior dating actually is in real life:
Meet Robert, a senior dating newbie
A sixty-six-year-old former office manager named Robert is happy being a part of the over sixty dating scene, but he didn`t always feel that way. He explains that dating at 66 is more fun and has much less pressure than when he was younger. He further adds that he dated his wife for six years before they got married. And how things were more serious for them at that time.
They were happy and had good times together. When she passed away he said he wanted to “hide in my apartment” and had no desire to become involved with anybody ever again. But after about half a year, those close to Robert encouraged him to put aside his feelings of apprehension and get back into the social scene.
Cribbs explains that Robert’s case is similar to many of those who are new to over sixty dating. He adds that trepidation and nervousness will be there at some level associated with dating again. While they all have plenty of life experience, most of them have been happily married for many, many years. This can make things a bit unsettling at first.
All of this is reassuring for any senior that wishes to establish a new and potentially loving relationship through over sixty dating. As the poet once said, “life is how you make it”, and that`s true no matter how young at heart you are.
Meet Dorothy, concerned about how others perceive senior dating
A 64-year-old, former nurse named Dorothy lost her husband to cancer relates.
I was always worried about how people would react to my dating again, what they`d think. My husband and I were married more than forty years, and I just knew it would raise eyebrows amongst my family if I started going out again. I ended up meeting a nice man, whom I dated in secret for nine months. The funny thing is that I had no need to be nervous. My family was actually glad to hear I was happy.
Dorothy, former nurse
Like many seniors, Dorothy was concerned with how others would think of her dating “at her age”. The sad thing is that these false concerns about the reactions of family and friends can slow down, or stop seniors from dating. To be fair, there will be cases when family and friends react negatively to people sixty and over dating. But this usually isn`t anything personal. However, in most cases, once family and friends find out, they will actually encourage you to date more. After all, they do want to see you happy.
Meet John, who found success in senior dating
Another chief concern is in cases where the dating seniors lost their spouses. In these cases, it`s best to give it as much time as you need, and then understand that dating takes nothing away from the love you had, and still have, for your departed spouse. There is no question that they would want you to be happy as well.
After my wife passed away, I really thought that was all for me, I loved her so much, and thought I would be dishonoring her memory if I started dating. I figured I would just quit thinking of trying to find another woman I would be willing to share my life. But, then, it happened. I met the ideal woman and I was back in a loving relationship again.
John, pro-golfer
Dorothy and John were both hesitant about dating at over sixty years of age. Those feelings are common, but by overcoming them, they started dating again and were able to find happiness again.
The idea of not limiting yourself, as mentioned earlier, is what John`s story illustrates. It really is possible to fall in love again, but only if you are open to the idea. Losing a spouse is heartbreaking, but meeting somebody new doesn`t negate anything special you once had. Age isn`t a determining factor when it comes to basic human needs, and being in a loving relationship is one of those needs.
Senior Dating: What to Expect, Challenges
These experiences are not to say that senior dating is a perfect fairy tale that anyone can enter at a whim. Just like any other people who have different dating dynamics, senior dating has its own rollercoaster curves.
The challenges are but normal: this stage of your life is confusing amidst all the fun. You want to do it but being the mature person you are, you tend to think of the many considerations you have in your life. What will your family say? Are your friends going to judge you for it? Here are some of the challenges that you must anticipate when you decide to dive at the fun world of senior dating:
You think it’s too late for love
Stop that thought because no, it’s not! Love is limitless and could traverse space and time. This is what’s exciting about love; you can only feel it but never define how it should be.
You are confused about trusting first impressions
You are on the stage of being the person who is cautious and always taking care of the important stuff. Nature dictates you to do so. You are alive for that long for a reason, and it’s not pure luck.
Now, it is time for you to get out there, mess a little, love a lot, and try to grab all the fun that the world can offer. Trust a little, then trust more! The only thing for you to do this time is to fall in love!
You find it hard to be patient
You may feel like the clock is ticking and the sand on the hourglass is fast running out, but time is just an illusion! What really matters is that you did what you have to do at the moment that you needed to do it! Now is the time for you to be reckless, but only a little, and create memories with the person whom you know is going to make you really happy!
You are afraid to get hurt; not now
Just think of it this way: nobody wants to get hurt. It is a part of every relationship no matter what age they are in. It is a constant in every relationship. But think of life as a continuous learning process that does not stop. You may be extra cautious not to get hurt now because, at this stage of your life, you should just be enjoying just like everybody else, but having this negative mindset about relationships is not going to get you anywhere.
How to be successful at Senior Dating
There is no one-shot formula to having a successful senior relationship, but you could always take inspiration from proven guidelines. Having these guidelines will help you every time you are at a crossroad and do not know what to do. Here are some tips on how you can obtain success at the world of senior dating.
Understand what you want
Start by putting the right foot forward and know what you want. What is it that you expect in getting out of this experience? Are you looking for a specific type of person? Are you ready to dive into it head on, or are you just looking for some side fun while you enjoy the current status of your life? The possibilities are endless for you if you really think about it.
Work on your confidence
Dating at any age brings forth challenges. No matter how long you have been single, feeling confident and ready to date are important to understand before you can become successful in the senior dating league. If you have just become single, you need to take some time to recharge yourself emotionally first before entering the doors of romance again. Put yourself out there, but put yourself first before anyone else. Build your self-esteem not just to attract a new lover, but to obtain maximum happiness for yourself when the romance begins. A happy relationship can only happen between two happy individuals who are without inhibitions when it comes to love.
Do not stop dating
Trial and error are always a part of it. The most important rule when it comes to having a successful dating life is to not feel discouraged. Sure, it is hard to find the “one,” but success built from patience in the end is very rewarding; more than you will ever expect. Going on multiple dates might be a little awkward, especially if you keep on having failed dates. At worst, some of it may even be a disaster. It is totally understandable if you find it hard to go on another date. If you ever feel like this, you must pause for a while. But never stop dating! Whatever you do, don’t give up!
Final Words
If you are ready to make the most of them, your post-retirement years can be the most exciting and fun years of your life. As far as dating and senior relationships go, to be successful really comes down to not limiting yourself. Even though you may be focused on now being in the latter stage of life, you can live life to the fullest when you let go of any anxiety and fear and are open to new experiences.
Dating Knows No Age
Younger people often think that retiring from a career means retiring from everything else; that you can’t have fun, that you can’t have a social life, that you aren’t interested in companionship. Hogwash! One of the fastest-growing trends of today is mature dating. It wasn’t all that long ago that people in their upper sixties were starting to be shunted off to the dreaded old folk’s home.
But with new advances in medicine, today`s seniors are healthier and more vibrant than ever; delaying a potential stay in a nursing home by several decades. In fact, even the concept of where older people go has changed substantially. Instead of being in a cold hospital-like setting, thriving and active retirement communities that focus on social activities and fun. People are not only living longer, but they are happier as they do.
Challenges of Mature Dating
Mature dating can be fun once you get the hang of it, but if you’re new to it, the experience can be quite overwhelming. You must anticipate the challenges that it can bring to you. Here are some of the instances you should expect when diving into mature dating:
When you have other priorities
Whether you’re divorced or never married, mature dating is a time when you have other priorities. You’re either busy supporting your kids, taking care of your elderly parents, pursuing a doctorate, or advancing your career plans. You’re at a point in your life when you can’t afford to be as flexible with your time. But the key is to have proper managing of your time. There is nothing impossible if you put your heart in it.
You feel like there’s not much option
It brings you hopelessness to think that most of the people in your age group have already settled down. Your group of friends have already paired up and found their partners.
And if you’re looking for a single one who has never been married or doesn’t have kids, it’s going to be difficult as most of your peers have extensive love history like marriage-children-divorce.Want to try Mature dating? Signup at SilverSingles Now!
Feeling pressured to date
You get the feeling that there is no one available to date that can be on the same wavelength as you. Don’t feel like you have a lower pool of candidates than when you were younger. Most people your age have also settled down with their relationships, so there is a feeling of being left out. Mature dating can take much work, but it is possible.
So many bad apples
Mature dating can be hard because your standards and goals have changed. This is the time when you long to have someone for both companion and intimacy, and because of this, you also become an easy target for scammers and people who will only take advantage of you. But there are also genuine people out there who are looking for the same thing as you are; you just have to sift through the bad ones to find your perfect match.
How to be Successful in Mature Dating
Perhaps you are a senior who has been away from the social scene for many years, and you`re concerned that you have been left behind. There`s no need to worry. At the same time, it`s perfectly natural to be a bit hesitant when it comes to dating again. Even if you`re feeling a somewhat “rusty”, you shouldn`t let that stop you from jumping right back into it.
Dating at any age is challenging. There is no easy path when it comes to love. But realize that it is not all pain and sadness. People gamble on their feelings because there is always hope in love no matter how unsure you are. Love can be confusing at times, especially in mature dating. This is the time when you may feel rushed and pressured about finding someone, like the hands of the clock are catching up to you; but this is also the time when you are most excited about the possibilities of actually finding someone to love and hold.
Add to the fact that you already are a mature person who has a lot of love to give! Oh what a time to be alive!
Now all you have to do is to focus on looking for a person who can complement all your romantic preferences. Love is possible at all times, and there is no right age for anyone to find love. Some find love early in life, while some find it a little later in life. Either way, it is not something that is found at a specific time of your life! You can have a shot at love whatever age you are in.
Here are some tips for mature dating to make things easier for you.
Lessen the pressure in you
While it may not seem this way at first, there is a lot less external pressure. If you`re retired, then your career and work schedule aren`t going to get into the way like they would have before.
Chances are good that all of your children are out of the house, so you don`t have to try to find a babysitter every time you want to go out.
And, best of all, you know much more now than you did back then. You are better primed to handle different dating situations. Including, but not limited too, avoiding some of the drama typically faced by teenagers; when they start dating. While dating can put pressure on anybody, at least you are free of many other pressures that compound those feelings. Single and ready to mingle? Signup at SilverSingles Now!
Believe that age doesn`t matter—because it is true
As it`s been said, “age ain`t nothing but a number”. While that may not be grammatically correct, the idea behind it is true. Another phrase that`s just as true is, “you`re only as old as you feel”. Keep both of these ideas in mind.
Those thoughts can be quite freeing and allow you to go into mature dating with a more youthful zeal. Be happy! Have a great time. You worked hard all your life, and now it`s time to reap the rewards! Dating seniors doesn`t mean you have to go to the old folk`s home top play bingo (unless you really enjoy it).
Instead, you can try to do more active things together. Live it up. Age should not be the main factor in deciding what you should or shouldn`t do when it comes to activities for dates.
Embrace technology—try online dating
To be fair, more seniors are using technology than in the past. Computers, cell phones, the internet and more can all be used to find new relationships. If you aren`t using these things already, take a course or have somebody teach you.
It`s easy to learn, and very handy when it comes to dating. Besides, there`s a good chance the people you would be interested in dating are already using these technologies.
Have an open mind
Most older singles already have a fixed idea of what dating and relationship is. Remember to have an open mind if you want to succeed in actually finding someone in the league of mature dating. Stop defining every little thing that comes to you. Understand that not all things that are going to happen is going to work out. Be open to the possibility of getting hurt, and getting hurt again. There is someone out there for you, but you will not find this person in one go. Have an open mind about what you are going to experience.
Be ready to meet someone
You will meet someone, especially if you are actively looking. Just go with the flow and avoid overthinking once you do. You do not have to panic; it is the last thing that you want to do. Even if you have been single for a long time, try not to be overwhelmed with the emotions. It will all come back naturally to you once you do.
Just focus on building a good relationship with the person you have found and only do the right things as you go on. This way, you are sure that you can be happy. Do not think that you are not ready; no one is! But everyone deserves to find everlasting love.
Be open about it with your friends and family
There is no point in hiding a date with your family and friends. Dating is supposed to be happy and make your heart full, and having friends and family to share it with you reciprocates the fun. Your friends and family will understand however complicated your status or situation may be. Do not listen to what other people will say. Only the opinion of those who matter to you is what’s truly worth listening to. Share the love you feel with your family and friends and will easily be reciprocated. If you are open to them about your relationship, it is easier to have more fun activities together out in the open. Find love this time around! Signup at SilverSingles Now!
When you’ve finally found the one
So, you have met someone whom you think matches you perfectly. Finding someone is only half the battle. You need to sustain victory by making sure that your newfound love is there to stay. Here are some tips on how you can make this happen:
Relax and take it easy
Just go with the flow and enjoy the experience. Overthinking what is going on between you two may ruin the entire experience. All you need to do is to savor every moment that you are with them. Do not confuse them with long questions, or scare them off by thinking that you want more of what they can only give at the moment. Progressing a relationship takes time, and you will feel more at ease if you just relax and live in the moment. You can save the worrying for later. But for now, aim to spend as much love as you can for it does not run out.
Spend quality time with them
Bear in mind that this is the time for you to be merry and collect memories with your partner. Enjoy it as much as you can. Love can traverse time and space; but actually creating memories with your partner is something that you both can be thankful for.
Having activities together is fulfilling in ways you would not expect. It can be a simple date night or having sweet conversations under the moonlight in your balcony. The activities do not have to be too big, nor do you need to spend a fortune just to make them memorable. You only have to be true to what you feel, and be honest with your words when talking to them.
Be sincere
You already know it—being sincere is the key if you want a lasting relationship. Make sure that you talk to them and make them feel your sincerity. At any point in your relationship, sincerity is something that can be felt even if you do not say it verbally. You can only show that you are being sincere by staying true to your words. If not, the other person will feel it and you will have a more fulfilling relationship. Try to stay true all the time and you will not regret it. Being sincere will also help you grow as an individual aside from helping you attain happiness in the romantic department.
Final Words
This should be time for you to relax and enjoy every moment especially when it comes to love. Remember that you do not need to feel rushed about meeting somebody as the search is part of the fun. It is always better to wait for someone who will truly jive with you and not force something if it is not working. Want to try Mature dating? Signup at SilverSingles Now!
Just like any other people who have different dating dynamics as you, mature dating will give you challenging moments and at the same time happy times. It depends on how you will make out the experience to be. Your outlook in life will greatly affect how you view these things, but the important thing is that you are having fun all the time.
