Write a profile in your own voice that says what you enjoy and what you are hoping for, add three or four recent photos with your face clearly visible, and open with a message that mentions something from the other person's profile. Keep chats on the site until you have met, and never send money to anyone you know only online.
How do I write a dating profile at 60?
Write it the way you would describe yourself to a friend of a friend at a party. Skip the list of adjectives ("honest, loyal, caring") because everyone uses them and nobody believes them. Show it instead: the Sunday walk you never miss, the allotment, the choir, the trip you keep promising yourself.
Be clear about what you want. Some people here want a partner to share a home with, others want company for the theatre and a Sunday lunch, and saying which you are saves everybody time. Mention your family if they matter to you, but keep the history of the divorce or the loss for later conversations. A profile that looks forward is far more inviting than one that looks back.
Finally, read it aloud before you save it. If it sounds like you, it is ready.
Which photos work best?
Recent ones. A photo from fifteen years ago only sets up a disappointing moment at the café, and people at our stage of life are kinder about wrinkles and grey hair than you might fear. Lead with a clear, smiling head-and-shoulders shot in good daylight, with no sunglasses and no hat. Then add two or three that show your life: in the garden, on a walk, with the dog. Leave out group photos where nobody can tell which one is you, and crop out the ex.
A phone camera is fine. Ask a grandchild or a neighbour to take a few by a window and pick the one where you look most relaxed.
What should I say in a first message?
Something that proves you read their profile. "Hello, how are you?" is easy to ignore. "I see you walk the coast path most weekends. Which stretch is your favourite?" is easy to answer. A question about something they care about, a line about yourself, and your name is all a first message needs.
Keep it short, keep it warm, and do not worry if you do not hear back straight away. People have busy lives, and some only log in every few days. If there is no reply after a week, move on without taking it to heart.
How often should I check the site?
A little and often beats a long session once a month. Look at your daily match suggestions, answer messages within a day or two, and comment on a post now and then so people see you are active. The site works in any browser, and our guide to using Silver Senior Dating on your phone shows how to add it to your phone's home screen so it opens like any other app.
How do I spot a romance scammer?
Romance scammers are patient and often charming, and older daters are among their favourite targets. The warning signs are well known, though, and they rarely change:
- they say they love you within days or weeks, before you have met;
- they live or work far away, often overseas, on a ship, a rig or a military posting;
- they always have a reason not to meet or not to show their face on a video call;
- they want to move the conversation to WhatsApp, text or email very quickly;
- they ask you to keep the relationship to yourself;
- sooner or later there is an emergency, and it needs money, gift cards or your bank details.
If you see two or more of these, stop replying and report the profile. The site will also show you a warning when someone tries to move you off it, and a Verified badge tells you the person has proved who they are. Our safety page explains every tool, and if you are wondering about us, is Silver Senior Dating legit? answers that honestly.
Protect your privacy from the start
Your username is all other members see of your name, and your profile shows your nearest town rather than your address. Keep it that way for a while. Do not share your surname, home address, workplace or the name of your street until you have met and feel comfortable. Take the free ID check yourself, too: it tells others you are genuine, and it is a fair thing to ask of them in return.
Be patient, and be yourself
Very few people meet the right person in their first week. Treat the early days as a chance to enjoy some good conversations, and the rest tends to follow. When you are ready to meet, our first date ideas for seniors will help you choose the plan.
Online dating questions from older singles
Am I too old for online dating?
No. On Silver Senior Dating the over-65s are the biggest group of members, and you choose the age range of the people you see.
Should I put my age on my profile?
Yes, and make it your real age. Lying about it is the quickest way to spoil a first meeting.
How many photos should I use?
Three or four is ideal: one clear photo of your face, then a couple that show what you enjoy.
What do I do if someone asks for money?
Stop replying, do not send anything and report the profile from inside the site. A genuine match will never ask you for money.
More guides for older singles are on our articles page, and our over 60s dating guide covers dating again later in life.
Put your best profile forward
Join free, add a couple of photos and send your first hello today.
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