Your sixties are when a lot of people discover they have time again. The mortgage is smaller or gone, work has stopped or slowed, and the long-promised trips are suddenly possible. For many, it is also the decade they find themselves single, through the loss of a husband or wife, or a separation that came after the children had grown. All that time, and nobody to spend it with, is what brings a great many people in their sixties to a site like this.
This is the age group Silver Senior Dating knows best. People aged 55 to 64 and those over 65 are our two largest groups by a clear margin, so if you are in your sixties you are right in the middle of the community, not at its edge.
Companionship, romance, or a bit of both
One of the first things to settle is what you are hoping for, because people in their sixties want very different things. Some are looking for a partner to share a home with. Plenty would rather keep their own place and their own routines and have someone for dinners, holidays and Sunday drives. Others want friendship first and are open to whatever follows.
None of these is the wrong answer, but a mismatch causes most of the disappointment. Say plainly on your profile which of these you mean. You can set the relationship type you want in your match preferences, and the daily suggestions take it into account.
Dating again after losing a partner
Widowed members often feel they should not be here yet, or that a new relationship is somehow disloyal. There is no correct timetable. Some people feel ready in a year, some in ten. A few signs that you might be: you are curious rather than desperate, you can talk about your late husband or wife without it being the whole conversation, and you are looking for someone new rather than a replacement.
It is perfectly natural to mention your loss on your profile, and many members do. Plenty of the people who read it will have been through the same thing, and you will often find they understand without needing it explained.
When the family has opinions
Grown-up children react to a parent dating in all sorts of ways. Some are delighted. Some worry about money, inheritance or being replaced, and some worry, quite reasonably, about scams. A few things tend to smooth the way:
- Tell them early that you are dating, so it is not a shock later.
- Wait until a relationship is settled before arranging introductions, ideally on neutral ground.
- Keep your finances entirely separate in the early months, which reassures everyone and protects you.
- Remember it is your decision. Their feelings matter, but your happiness is not theirs to approve.
Grandchildren usually take it in their stride. It is the middle generation who need a little time.
Singles over 60 in New Zealand, South Africa and Ireland
Searching for NZ dating sites for over 60s? Our New Zealand members are mostly over 60, with a few more women than men and Auckland the biggest group: see senior dating in New Zealand. Anyone looking for dating sites for over 60 in South Africa will find an even balance of men and women, mostly in Gauteng, the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, on our South Africa page. In Ireland, members are mostly over 55 and Dublin leads; our Ireland page has more. Australia, the UK, the USA and Canada are all on the locations page.
If you were hoping to find free Irish dating sites for over 60, or a free option in any of these countries: joining Silver Senior Dating costs nothing, you get daily matches and can browse every profile, and free members can send a set number of messages each day. VIP adds unlimited messaging, explained on the pricing page.
Making the most of a retired diary
The great advantage of dating in your sixties is flexibility. A Tuesday morning walk along the coast, a weekday visit to a garden or gallery when it is quiet, lunch rather than dinner: daytime dates are relaxed, cheaper and easy to end politely if the spark is not there. Our first date ideas have plenty more. If you have not written a profile before, start with the online dating tips for seniors.
Keep a sensible eye out too. Anyone who quickly asks for money, has a dramatic overseas emergency, or wants to move to WhatsApp straight away should be reported. Our safety guide shows how, and the site itself warns you if someone tries to take the chat elsewhere.
Over 60s dating questions
What are the best dating sites for seniors over 60?
Look for one where most members are your age, profiles are detailed and there are proper safety tools. On Silver Senior Dating the over-55s are the large majority. Our guide to the best senior dating sites weighs up the alternatives honestly.
Is it normal to want companionship rather than a relationship?
Very. Many members in their sixties want a regular companion for outings and holidays while keeping their own homes. Say so on your profile and you will meet people who want the same.
How soon after losing a partner should I start dating?
There is no set time. When you feel curious about meeting someone new, rather than looking for someone to fill a gap, you are probably ready to try.
What if I am not good with computers?
The site is simple to use on a phone, tablet or computer. Our guide to using it on your phone takes you through it step by step.
You have the time. Now find the company.
Set up your profile in a few minutes and meet singles in their sixties who are ready to make plans.
Join Silver Senior Dating