The Ultimate Guide To Dating 50-Something

Our experts reveal what to do, where to go – and how to meet The One

- Sharon Walker

So you’re single again at 50- plus? Congratulations – you’re right on-trend along with a record number of baby boomers. Fifty-somethings and above are more likely to be single than ever before, with the number of over-fifties living alone set to rise. And the good news is that most of us are more than ready to have another shot at love, with twice the number of over-fifties around the world signing up for online dating sites last year, compared with 2013.

Even so, however ready you are, we know that dating again after a long-term relationship can feel daunting, especially when so much has changed since you were last single. That’s why we’ve called on the expertise of top midlife-dating experts to help you navigate this tricky new world and maximise your chances.

Where to start

Before writing a sparkling dating profile, or investing in a new date-night dress, ask yourself, “Am I ready for this?” You’ll know you’re ready if you genuinely feel a new relationship would be the icing on the cake of your already full and happy life, and not something you need to bolster you up. If you’re still smarting from a divorce, or feeling down and in need of a little TLC, it’s understandable – but the choppy waters of the singles scene aren’t the place to find it. So get yourself to a ‘happy place’ first, whether that’s by making new (platonic) friends or taking more time to lick your wounds. You need to be in the right mindset.

“Feeling optimistic is the single most important thing for dating,” says Susan Quilliam. “You need to feel good about yourself and good about men – or whatever gender you’re dating.” The trick is to enter the dating fray full of curiosity, ready to have fun and meet new people, without worrying too much about what happens next.