Maybe it’s knowing that Valentine’s is nearly here; maybe you’re just ready to meet someone new. Whatever the reason, more and more people aged 60+ are turning to senior dating sites and apps to find that special someone. It’s clear why the craze is so popular – for one, it’s convenient, as you can chat to people from the comfort of your own home. But an even better reason to try online dating is that it’s safer to chat to people before meeting them. You can get to know people, all whilst remaining safe. But what are the best (and safest) sites to try? We’ve gone through a few so we’re able to give you our honest opinions.
Senior Dating: things to remember before you start
We know that once you’re ready, you’ll be raring to go. But before you start signing up to these sites, there are a few things to keep in mind so you have the best possible experience when finding your perfect match.
Be Safe
Whilst the internet can be fantastic and incredibly convenient, there are dangers lurking around. The senior dating sites we’ve listed below are all checked and accredited so you shouldn’t have any issues, but it’s important to make sure that the sites you’re browsing are secure – particularly if you’re going to enter any payment details. Firstly, make sure your antivirus software is up to date. You can download free software online, though the paid options are always better for securing your device. One way of checking the security of a site is to look at the search bar next to the URL. If there’s a little padlock symbol, it means the site is secure. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry – so if you’re unsure, back out and try another site!
If you see a padlock next to the URL, the site is secure
Be aware of catfishing
Catfishing is when someone pretends to be somebody else on a dating app. This can be for a number of reasons – the least malicious of which being that they’re shy or trying to be safe. However, people can catfish as an attempt to scam you or even harm you. Before meeting up with anyone you speak to on any site, always be sure they are who they say they are.
With all that in mind, don’t let us put you off – the world of online dating is exciting and rewarding, so long as it’s done right. Let’s go through our top senior dating sites for 2023.
1. OurTime
First on our list is OurTime. This site brands itself as a “Mature dating site for singles over 50”, and is a great place to start. The setup of an account is nice and easy: the site will ask you if you want to find a man or a woman to chat to. It then asks for a few personal details, and sets up your account for you in minutes. The great thing about this site is that it takes you step by step through creating an account, but doesn’t force you to answer personal questions. For example, it will ask you whether you’ve ever been married or have kids, but the option to keep the information to yourself is available so you can share as much as you like.
Once you’ve set up a profile, you’ll be able to see the profiles and pictures of the eligible singles in your area. You can choose to ‘like’ them, but to chat you will need a subscription.
Pros:
- Easy set-up
- All profiles moderated so less chance of catfishing
Cons:
- Requires a subscription to chat
2. EliteSingles
Don’t be put off by the name. Whilst it sounds pretty elitist, EliteSingles is actually dedicated to finding the best possible match, and weeding out people who aren’t ‘serious’ about the whole dating thing, so you don’t waste your time with anyone. Whilst this site isn’t entirely dedicated to over-50s, they estimate that over 40% of their database are seniors, and there is a separate section on the site dedicated to senior dating. Setup is a little trickier than OurTime but still straightforward, and this site comes with the added benefit of having a blog section. It has some great articles about dealing with loss, and tips for dating in your senior years.
Pros:
- Dedicated to finding the best possible match
- Has a helpful and informative ‘magazine’ section
- Holds frequent events to encourage you to get out and about
Cons:
- Requires a subscription to chat
- Isn’t the best for people wanting to start off with casual chats
3. SilverSingles
SilverSingles is entirely dedicated to dating for over-50s. They have a great support team, and an app if you’d rather browse using your phone or tablet. Again, the premium membership will cost to subscribe, but a basic profile is free.
Pros:
- A great app if you prefer to use a phone or tablet
Cons:
- Requires a subscription to chat
4. OkCupid
This one is a little more complex, and less user-friendly to set up a senior dating account on. You will also require a phone to set up an account, as your number is required to verify the account. However, unlike the other sites, it’s completely free to message others, meaning you won’t require a paid subscription. Of course, the paid subscription comes with added bonuses but you can decide whether you want that later.
Pros:
- No subscription fees to chat
Cons:
- More complex setup process
- Requires a phone for setup
5. Plenty of Fish
Finally, we have Plenty of Fish, or POF as it’s often called. You’ll notice that this site is not strictly aimed at over-50s, instead catering to a wide range of ages. However, setup is straightforward and free. It has a huge database of people, meaning you’re more than likely to find someone to chat to and potentially hit it off with. Out of all of the selections, this would be our favourite as an ‘all-rounder’ – it’s free, casual, and easy to use. We would say, however, that it’s easier to create a fake account on this one so just be careful of who you chat and give your details to.
Pros:
- Easy to sign up
- Free
Cons:
- Most likely to contain fake profiles
So, those are our top senior dating site picks for 2023. Do you have other recommendations that you’ve tried? Be sure to let us know!
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Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 8th February 2023 to reflect current information.
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