50 yr old dating sites

bonus that it tends to come with much less drama. If you’re looking for love and you’re not sure where to start, read on for a list of tips on mature dating for over-50s to help you find your soulmate. 

Even if dating is something you’re relatively new to, there’s no need to feel intimidated.

 1. Use a dating site for the over-50s

Older people may be reluctant to try online dating, but it’s one of the easiest ways to meet people. And it’s great for over-50s dating, with many sites now catering specifically for mature women and men looking for a genuine romantic connection.

Although certain sites are free, you can get a more tailored service through a subscription service. Some specialise in over-50s dating, while others simply tend to attract an older user base.

If you’re a regular Telegraph reader, you may benefit from subscribing to Telegraph Dating, where you can browse the profiles of men and women in your age range who are likely to hold similar opinions on politics and world events.

2. Take up a hobby

Your fifties are the perfect time to take up a new activity. Learning new skills can boost your mental well-being and is also associated with a reduced risk of dementia in later life.

From a dating perspective, especially over-50s dating,  taking up a hobby can be a great way to connect with like-minded people in a relaxed and fun environment. Common hobbies adopted by older people include cooking classes, book groups, choirs or learning a new language or instrument.

The type of activity you opt for is entirely up to you, but it’s a good idea to pick something age-appropriate with a social aspect that will put you in contact with lots of new people.

3. Freshen up your wardrobe

Getting back into dating is a great excuse to clear out your wardrobe and stock up on some stylish, well-fitting items that will make you feel fantastic.

Take clothes you haven’t worn in years to the charity shop to make room, and then invest in a couple of good-quality, non-workwear essentials – such as a smart coat, a good pair of jeans and a cashmere jumper – that you’ll wear for years. Feeling good in your clothes can do wonderful things for your self-confidence.

If you’re pretty clueless about fashion, consider hiring a personal shopper or stylist. A key benefit with this kind of service is that you can sit and relax while they scour the rails for you.

4. Open up to your family and friends

It’s not unusual for people in their fifties or older to feel self-conscious about getting back into dating – particularly if you have grown-up children. But having a good support network of friends and family members is vital if you’re going to pursue healthy, happy romantic relationships.

If you’re finding it difficult to tell your children that you’re looking for love, just remember that honesty early on is always the best policy. While you don’t need to fill them in on every flirtatious text, it’s important to communicate about the big stuff happening in your life.

You never know – your children may even have some dating advice for you.

5. Start exercising

Another tip for over-50s dating is to start exercising, which can benefit your physical health and mental well-being. It can be a challenge if you haven’t exercised for a while, but there are plenty of classes and activities that are friendly to the over-50s, including yoga, swimming and walking.

Exercise is known to improve mood as well as boost energy and self-confidence, so it can help to quash any insecurities you may have about getting older. It also helps you stay energised and enthusiastic, and is known to improve sexual performance.

As an added bonus, exercise classes and activity clubs can be a fantastic way to meet people. So yes, it may be worth investing in a new pair of jogging bottoms before you hit that tai chi class.

6. Go on a solo holiday

The great thing about being in your fifties is that you have the freedom you yearned for as a teenager plus the financial stability you never quite managed in your twenties and thirties. So once it is safe and permitted again, it would be a great idea to get out there and have an adventure.

By the time you reach your fifties you also have the confidence and experience to make booking and taking a solo holiday work. You’ll be able to plan your own itinerary, explore at your own pace and make connections with people you might never have met had you been travelling with friends.

Best of all, many different travel operators specialise in trips for the over-50, which means you’re guaranteed to be travelling in a group with similarly aged people.

7. Start saying yes

The tips we’ve offered so far can essentially be summed up in one phrase: be more adventurous.

It can be difficult to break out of routines you’ve had for many years, but if you want to embark on a brand new relationship you’ll have to make some changes. The best way to do that is to get into the habit of going with the flow and generally saying “yes” to positive opportunities that come your way.

And yes, that means taking your friends up on all those dinner-party invitations you may have been dodging.

8. Stay safe in the bedroom

Returning to older dating after a long period away can be challenging for a number of reasons – but many men and women in their fifties find it liberating when it comes to the bedroom. If you’ve been in a relationship for many years, having sex with a new person can be a real adventure.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things, but always remember the cardinal rule: use condoms and other forms of protection if you aren’t sure about your partner’s sexual health. 

9. Take your time

Finally, always remember that it’s perfectly OK to take things slowly. While sex and relationships may not be a new experience, it can take time to feel comfortable with a new person.

Above all, remember that there’s no particular rush to meet somebody, and that it’s better to wait for someone with whom you have the right connection than to force something that’s not working.

For more tips and advice on successful dating after 50, visit our Mature Dating section.

If you're single and interested in meeting like-minded people, join Telegraph Dating. With more than 220,000 like-minded single people, Telegraph Dating is the best place to find romance.