Do dating sites work for seniors?

If you're not into the idea of joining a community center or attending senior meet-ups, online dating sites offer an alternative option for connecting with others on your own terms. In fact, according to <a href="https://zdcs.link/Vm6GN?pageview_type=Standard&amp%3Btemplate=roundup&amp%3Bmodule=content_body&amp%3Belement=offer&amp%3Bitem=text-link&amp%3Belement_label=a%20recent%20study%20by%20the%20Pew%20Research%20Center&amp%3Bobject_type=roundup&amp%3Bobject_uuid=07IF4eehX2kCqeNvhlrS84X&amp%3Bshort_url=Vm6GN&amp%3Bu=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Froundup%2Fbest-dating-sites-for-seniors&template=roundup&module=content_body&element=offer&item=text-link&element_label=a%20recent%20study%20by%20the%20Pew%20Research%20Center&object_type=roundup&object_uuid=07IF4eehX2kCqeNvhlrS84X&short_url=Vm6GN&u=https%3A%2F%2Fmashable.com%2Froundup%2Fbest-dating-sites-for-seniors" rel="nofollow sponsored" target="_blank" title="(opens in a new window)">a recent study by the Pew Research Center , an estimated one in six Americans aged 50 and older say they've used a dating site or app. And around 19% of online daters aged 50 to 59 say they've used Tinder. So, the short answer is yes, dating sites can definitely work for seniors. Of course, like any dating experience, there are a few challenges that come with online dating. For example, it can be difficult to tell if someone is being genuine or looking for a quick fling. It's also important to be aware of the risks of online dating, such as catfishing and identity theft. Despite the added layer of seriousness, butterflies are still in your cards. And if you want to skip the heavy, emotional stuff, say that in your bio. Plenty of other mature singles are looking for anything from a casual hookup partner to a traveling companion or workout buddy. With a little patience, you can find what you're looking for in a partner.

The 5 best dating sites for seniors in 2023

Overview

Best senior dating site overall

SilverSingles

Jump to Details

Go to SilverSingles

Best for serious relationships

eharmony

Jump to Details

Go to eharmony

Best eharmony alternative

match

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Go to match

PROMOTED

For Those Looking For Sex

AdultFriendFinder

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Go to AdultFriendFinder

Best dating app for women

Bumble

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Go to Bumble

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Dating can be awkward, scary, and a pain at any age. True, being in the over-60 group may mean that more people your age are already off the market, but online dating can help you find mature singles in your area that you would have never met otherwise.

To help you find your perfect match (whether you're interested in something casual or a long-term relationship), Mashable tested the best senior dating sites out there. Our goal? To figure out which dating platform is the best fit for you.

If you're hesitant about trying online dating as a senior, you're not alone. Finding a dating site that feels comfortable and natural is intimidating for everyone, and even the best senior dating sites can feel especially awkward. Young folks are completely desensitized to these apps, and there's a bit of a learning curve for new users. But here's the thing: Seniors actually have tons of advantages when it comes to online dating.

For starters, many people in their 20s aren’t ready to settle down. But as an experienced lover over 60, you’ve been figuring out this whole “love” thing for longer than millennials have been alive. You know the red flags, and you know what you want. EliteSingles’ senior dating blog notes that older singles realize life is too short to play games.

Plus, online dating gives you access to a wider pool of potential matches. When you’re limited to meeting people in your local area, your options can be pretty slim, and finding a potential partner may seem impossible. The best online dating apps are like windows to the world, letting you connect with people from everywhere. Plus, they're super convenient. You can hop on a dating website or launch a dating app and start surfing potential matches from the comfort of your couch whenever you please, day or night. This means you can take your sweet time getting to know someone before you meet in person.

We've gathered the best dating sites for seniors below based on our own experiences, hands-on reviews, and research with dating app users. We've also included some info to help you make the most of online dating.

How to avoid senior dating scams

Unfortunately, not everyone online is looking for a real connection. You can also find heartless scammers who are only interested in luring in seniors and stealing their hard-earned money. These scammers use false information to create a fake profile and pose as someone they're not (such as a member of the military). They may also pretend to be interested until you've formed an emotional bond — and then the demands for money start coming.

The Department of Homeland Security has a guide for spotting romance scams online. Here are some additional tips for avoiding online dating scams:

Beware of excuses to avoid in-person meetings; scammers often make and break dates.
Never send money to someone you meet online for any reason, including "loans."
Protect your personal information like social security, bank, and credit card details.
Meet in public for your first date.
Trust your instincts; if it doesn't feel right, walk away or block the person.

If you think you've been scammed, report the scammer to the dating site or app you're using and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). You can also place a fraud alert on your credit report in case your personal info was compromised.

What are the best dating sites for seniors?

After trying these dating sites and apps for ourselves, we put together a list of the five best dating sites for seniors and one last resort option. Many dating sites offer matching features for users over 50, but our favorite senior dating sites feature additional matching options for singles over 60 and 70. All sites offer a free membership option, but you'll probably need a paid account to access the real in-depth features, such as unlimited messaging or seeing photos. (Note that prices for dating apps and sites are constantly changing. We update regularly, but there might be minor price differences.)

Mashable tested all of the senior dating sites included below. From easy-to-use apps to more serious-minded dating websites, here’s to finding love later in life!

UPDATE: Sep. 22, 2023, 1:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated to reflect our latest hands-on dating site reviews. Ultimately, we decided to remove Zoosk and relegated Our Time to "last-resort" status.

Best Dating Apps Best Dating Sites For Serious Relationships Best Dating Sites Apps Over 40 All Best Products

Our Pick

SilverSingles

Best senior dating site overall

Go to SilverSingles

Who it's for:

SilverSingles is our top pick for the best online dating site for single seniors looking to make a meaningful connection with someone in their age bracket or older. This dating platform is exclusively tailored for singles aged 50 and above, meaning you're only matched with other mature adults who share your commitment to finding a serious relationship.

Why we picked this:

SilverSingles differs from traditional dating apps because it doesn't allow users to swipe left or right. Instead, SilverSingles does the legwork by sending you a set number (three to five) of matches daily.

Plus, with this app, member profiles are filled with information, so you'll know everything you need to know before making a move. SilverSingles uses the same five-factor model that EliteSingles uses to discover more about a user's personality, likes, dislikes, and desires, so you can rest assured these profiles are 100% real. What's more? You can rank how important certain qualities like age and education level are to you, so you won't end up with unsuitable matches.

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Details

eharmony

Best for serious relationships

Go to eharmony

Who it's for:

If you're a senior who's done playing games and ready to find someone to share life's adventures with, then eharmony might be the platform you've been waiting for. As a popular dating site with millions of success stories spanning over two decades, eharmony gives hope to those holding out for lasting love and deeper connections.

According to the company's 2021 Married Couples by the Numbers Facts reports, nearly three-quarters of their members found their lifelong companions within just a year of joining the platform. Those are some impressive odds, right? So, if you're looking for more than just a casual fling, eharmony is a great place to start.

Why we picked this:

We chose eharmony as the best dating site for serious relationships because, well, the app's success stories speak for themselves. Its comprehensive questionnaire and the more mature, experienced user demographic set it apart as a premium option for older singles searching for their forever love. While eharmony does come with a slightly higher cost, the benefits of its next-level matchmaking service make it a worthwhile investment for those with the budget.

Additionally, its substantial user base increases your chances of connecting with mature singles in your area, even if you live outside of a major city.

Read our full review of eharmony.

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match

Best eharmony alternative

Go to match

Who it's for:

If you're navigating the senior dating scene and on the lookout for a dating platform that offers an alternative to eharmony's commitment-heavy approach, then match might be more your speed.

According to a recent survey on the match website, 37% of match members belong to the 50-and-over age group, and a substantial eight in 10 members have pursued higher education or hold a degree. This dating site is clearly for those who know what they want and aren't afraid to go out and find it.

Why we picked this:

Match has undergone a thoughtful transformation to make the online dating experience smoother for everyone, especially seniors. The revamped questionnaire takes a more conversational approach to asking how you'd handle real-life scenarios — both with a partner and those around you. This shift highlights your values and even lets you set deal-breakers.

Over the years, match has maintained a well-balanced user base with a generous pool of potential partners, regardless of whether you're searching in a bustling city or quieter locales. Notably, the 50+ age group is one of the site's fastest-growing demographics, making it one of the best dating sites for seniors looking to find that special someone.

Read our full review of Match.

Buying Options

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The Good

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Details

PROMOTED

AdultFriendFinder

For Those Looking For Sex

Go to AdultFriendFinder

Read our full review of AdultFriendFinder.

Buying Options

See Details

The Good

The Bad

Details

Bumble

Best dating app for women

Go to Bumble

Who it's for:

Bumble offers an empowering option for senior women looking for a dating platform where they can steer the course of their conversations.

Unlike other dating apps, Bumble only allows women and non-binary individuals to make the first move. This feature places women in control of who they engage with and when preventing unsolicited messages from creepy older men (or creeps in general).

Why we picked this:

Bumble's user-friendly app has a more relaxed and engaging approach to dating, making it an ideal choice for single seniors who may be interested in a casual relationship. This laid-back feel also makes getting to know the online dating community easier because there's less pressure to click and commit like you would on other dating platforms like eharmony and SilverSingles.

Bumble also has one unique feature most dating apps don't: a 24-hour chat limit that kicks in once you've matched. This means that someone has to initiate the conversation, and their potential match must respond within this time frame, or the connection expires. It's a quick turnaround but helps combat the massive match queues that are too common on swiping apps.

Beyond dating, Bumble caters to a variety of needs for senior users, and it even has a BFF option to find friends and a professional networking feature called Bizz, which serves as a reminder that it's a versatile platform, not just a dating app.

Buying Options

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The Good

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EliteSingles

Best dating app for professionals

Go to EliteSingles

Who it's for:

If you've experienced relationship challenges related to financial matters or differing work ethics or are actively seeking a partner who aligns with your career-focused lifestyle, consider giving EliteSingles a closer look.

As a sister site of SilverSingles, EliteSingles caters to a more career-minded demographic of older adults. It places a strong emphasis on compatibility in terms of career and financial goals, offering a mature and supportive environment where ambitious singles can engage in open discussions about their career aspirations and financial priorities.

Why we picked this:

EliteSingles helps users find serious matches through its in-depth personality test. This test is built with finding your special someone in mind. It matches people based on the “Big Five Model of Personality,” which identifies members’ five main personality dimensions. These include openness, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.

Beyond its matching algorithm, EliteSingles simplifies your search for love by providing daily curated matches. This means you won't need to spend hours scrolling through countless profiles to find that special someone.

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The Good

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Details

Ourtime

A last-resort dating site

Go to Ourtime

Who it's for:

Ourtime is a dating app designed for users 50 and older, but there's no real matching algorithm. While the site does take age, location, and gender into account, there's no personality test or robust profile features.

You might be tempted to start using Ourtime immediately — it’s quick to set up and easy to use — but the seniors-only dating site tends to match users with a lot of dormant accounts or bots, which can cut into your time spent looking for love and make the experience very discouraging and unpleasant, especially if it’s your first attempt at looking for a match online.

Why we picked this:

For us, Ourtime is a last-resort senior dating site. You can keep an Ourtime profile in your back pocket as a backup if you’re struggling to find like-minded folks on other apps and websites but don't make this your go-to dating site.

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The Good

The Bad

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Topics Dating Sex

How we tested

Finding love and companionship in your golden years can be challenging, but it's not impossible. With the right senior dating site, you can connect with other mature singles who share your interests and values.

We tested out a bunch of dating sites for singles over 50, and we've narrowed it down to the best of the best.

Ease of use: We made sure that the sites were easy to navigate and use, even for less tech-savvy seniors. For senior dating sites with apps, we also checked to see if the app was user-friendly as well.
Active user base: We looked for sites with a large and active user base of seniors, so you have a good chance of finding matches.
Matching system: We evaluated the matching systems of each site to see how well they matched users with potential partners.
Communication tools: From texting to video calls, we checked to see which sites offered a variety of communication tools, such as messaging, video calls, and voice chat.
Safety and security: We ensured each site had measures to protect users' privacy and safety.
Bang for Your Buck: We compared what you pay with what you get, ensuring it's a fair deal.

Based on our testing, we believe that the dating sites on this list offer the best possible experience for seniors. We focused on features important to older adults, such as a large and active user base, communication tools, and safety features.

All apps and sites listed above have been thoroughly tested by Mashable's team and experienced freelance contributors (who know a thing or two about finding relationships online).

Apps we tested that didn't make the cut

OurTime is a popular dating site for seniors, but we ultimately decided to include it only as a "last-resort option."

Ineffective matching system: OurTime uses a basic matching system that only takes age, location, and gender identity into account. This means you may be matched with people you have nothing in common with.
Dormant accounts: OurTime may be easy to use, but this seniors-only dating site tends to match users with a lot of dormant accounts or bots, which can cut into your time spent looking for love and make the experience very discouraging and unpleasant, especially if it’s your first attempt at looking for a match online.

Why we didn't like it: For us, Our Time is a last-resort dating site option. You can keep an OurTime profile in your back pocket as a backup if you’re struggling to find potential partners on other apps and websites but don't make this your go-to dating site.

Zoosk may have a large user base, but it didn't make our list of the best dating apps for senior daters.

Fake profiles: Zoosk has a reputation for having a lot of fake profiles. This can be frustrating for senior daters who are looking for genuine connections.
Pricey: Zoosk is pricey for what it offers. This can be a barrier for senior daters who are on a budget.
Not specifically designed for senior daters: Zoosk isn't designed for senior daters. This means that you may run into younger users.

Why we didn't like it: Zoosk is a last-resort pick for us. While the SmartPick and Super Send features may help some users find a potential match, there are more than a few things we wish we could change.

Frequently Asked Questions

In our dating sites reviews, we've included some dating sites with free membership options such as SilverSingles and Match. However, for the best results and the most serious dates, you may want to consider a paid membership. As one person in the Reddit thread datingoverfifty suggests, if you want commitment, a site with a high barrier to entry — like eharmony, Match, or Elite Singles — could help to weed out people who aren't serious (as well as potential scammers).

Senior dating sites like Silver Singles and Our Time might seem like the obvious choice for finding mature singles over 50, but that's not necessarily the case. Many singles in their 50s and 60s have found more success (due to the sheer number of people) on apps with heavy millennial influence, like the swiping apps Tinder and Bumble.

While we tested the popular senior dating site Our Time for this review, we ultimately decided not to include it in our list of the best dating sites for seniors. We found that it just wasn't popular enough to have a critical mass of users, and there were a lot of inactive profiles and limited matches. (You can read more about our methodology in the "How We Tested" section of this review.)

If you're not into the idea of joining a community center or attending senior meet-ups, online dating sites offer an alternative option for connecting with others on your own terms. In fact, according to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, an estimated one in six Americans aged 50 and older say they've used a dating site or app. And around 19% of online daters aged 50 to 59 say they've used Tinder.

So, the short answer is yes, dating sites can definitely work for seniors. Of course, like any dating experience, there are a few challenges that come with online dating. For example, it can be difficult to tell if someone is being genuine or looking for a quick fling. It's also important to be aware of the risks of online dating, such as catfishing and identity theft.

Despite the added layer of seriousness, butterflies are still in your cards. And if you want to skip the heavy, emotional stuff, say that in your bio. Plenty of other mature singles are looking for anything from a casual hookup partner to a traveling companion or workout buddy. With a little patience, you can find what you're looking for in a partner.

Leah Stodart

Senior Shopping Reporter

Leah Stodart is a Senior Shopping Reporter at Mashable. She covers shopping trends, gift ideas, and products that make life easier, specializing in vacuums, TVs, and sustainable swaps. She graduated from Penn State University in 2016 and is watching horror movies or "The Office" when she’s not shopping online herself. You can follow her on Twitter at @notleah.