Nobody tells you at seventy that you might want to date again. Friends assume you are content, the family assume you are busy with them, and the dating apps on the news seem to be for another species entirely. Yet plenty of singles over 70 would love someone to ring in the evening, to share a pot of tea with, or to hold hands with at the pictures. Wanting that is ordinary, and it is never too late to go looking.
More people your age than you might think
Members over 65 are the largest single age group on the site. That is especially true in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where the over-65s lead the membership. In Brisbane and on the Gold Coast the older members are mostly women; in Adelaide the men are mostly over 65. So if you have wondered whether dating sites for seniors over 70 really have anyone over 70 on them, this one does. See Australia, New Zealand and South Africa for what each country looks like, or the full list on our locations page.
What people over 70 are usually looking for
At this age, most members are after companionship rather than a whirlwind. Someone to have lunch with on a Thursday. A partner for the bowls club social, the family wedding or a coach holiday. Somebody who will notice if you have not answered the phone. Romance is welcome too, and more than a few late-life couples are very much in love, but nobody here will hurry you towards it.
It helps to say on your profile how you picture things: living apart and seeing each other a few times a week, say, or looking for something closer. That one line spares a lot of awkwardness later.
Health, mobility and being honest about both
By seventy, most of us carry a few creaks. A new hip, a hearing aid, a heart that needs watching, a hand that no longer likes the cold. You do not need to list them on your profile, but it is kind to both of you to be straightforward once you start talking. If long walks are behind you, suggest a drive to a lookout instead. If evenings tire you, say you are a morning person. Most people your age will be relieved you mentioned it, and will have a list of their own.
The same goes for caring roles. If you look after a spouse in residential care, or a grandchild after school, say so in a sentence. The right person will work around it.
Technology made easy
You do not need to be good with computers. Silver Senior Dating works in the web browser you already use for email or the news, on a tablet, a phone or a desktop computer, and if the words look small you can zoom in or make the page bigger in your browser. Asking a grandchild to sit with you while you set up a profile and add a photo is a perfectly good plan, and after that you will manage by yourself. To put the site on your home screen so it opens with one tap, follow our step-by-step phone guide, and features explains each part of the site in plain words.
Keeping safe: scammers do target older singles
This needs saying plainly. Romance scammers deliberately look for people over 70, because they hope you will be lonely, trusting and comfortable financially. The pattern rarely changes: a very attractive profile, lots of affection very quickly, a job overseas, then an emergency that needs money. Never send money, gift cards or bank details to someone you have not met, however convincing the story.
The site helps. Members can carry a free ID verification badge, so look for it. Your real name and email are never shown, and others see only your nearest town. If someone tries to move you to WhatsApp or text early on, you will get a warning, and you can block or report anyone straight from their profile. Our safety page covers all of this, and it is worth sharing with a son or daughter who worries about you being online.
Family who want to help
Children often fret about a parent dating at this age, mostly out of love. Let them know you have joined, tell someone each time you meet a new person and where, and keep the first few meetings in daylight in a public place. That reassures them and is sensible anyway. Gentle first-date suggestions, from a garden visit to an afternoon tea, are in first date ideas for seniors. Younger readers might prefer the guide to over 60s dating.
Questions about dating over 70
Are there really singles over 70 on dating sites?
Yes. On Silver Senior Dating the over-65s are the largest age group, and you can set your age range to show only people in their seventies and beyond.
Is online dating safe for someone in their seventies?
It can be, with sensible habits: look for the verified badge, keep chats on the site at first, never send money, and meet in public in daylight. Our safety guide explains the warning signs.
Do I need a smartphone?
No. Any computer, tablet or phone with a web browser will do. There is nothing to download.
Can I just look for friendship?
Of course. Many members over 70 want companionship first. Say so on your profile and choose that relationship type in your match settings.
Someone your age would love a phone call tonight
Create a profile with a friend or grandchild beside you if you like, and meet singles over 70 near you.
Join Silver Senior Dating