Colleen Acker, CareWell BeWell Activities Program Coordinator
As we approach the national day of love and friendship, thoughts naturally turn to romance. Contrary to popular belief, romance is not just for the young. In the state of Michigan, 29% of older adults live alone. Of course, some may like it that way but others may be looking for a true companion. What opportunities do single seniors have to begin new relationships?
Dating sites have led many to love and even marriage. The stigma is gone! All that is left is to decide which service is most appealing.
Silver Singles is a highly rated service for those over 50 and offers three plans to choose from, each with a lengthier level of commitment. There is an in-depth profile questionnaire that helps find people with shared interests and personality. Silver Singles gets wonderful reviews, but does have a couple of undesirable aspects, such as only showing your profile matches, instead of being able to browse at will.
Our Time is another senior focused matchmaker that offers a user friendly website and a free option. You can browse and “like” for free, but you will be unable to send or receive messages. So unless you pay for the service, you are basically window shopping.
EHarmony is a popular choice and has been in business since 2000. It encompasses a larger age group, from 25 to 50+. The free option lets you create a profile and browse the singles. Once you are ready to communicate, choose a plan to fit your budget and start dating.
These sites can be fun and exciting, but don’t allow yourself to get obsessed with looking for messages from that potential sweetheart. Being overwhelmed and hyper-focused takes all the enjoyment out of the process. It is also worthwhile to note that all of these dating services make safety a priority. Information on safe dating is provided to help ensure you have a positive experience. If you happen to get unwanted attention on your profile, you can easily block the creeper from contacting you. No phone numbers or email addresses are exchanged as communication occurs through the platform.
If internet dating doesn’t light your fire, consider these in-person ideas:
Volunteering can be a soul refreshing way to meet like-minded individuals. Working with others on a joint cause is a great way to discover a spark as well as rekindle your own inner flame.
Joining a class for exercise, pottery, a foreign language or whatever gets you in the mix. While you are moving your body and feeding your brain, you might find a love interest. A study buddy, stretching partner, or someone to reenact that epic scene from Ghost could be found just by taking a class!
Join your local senior centers. Really? Yes! For little cost you can enjoy lunches, dances, classes, euchre, music, and more. Some senior centers offer travel opportunities and lending libraries. Many have volunteer opportunities as well. It’s not just about Bingo anymore. Check out our area senior centers, including Forks Senior Center in Albion and Heritage Commons Senior Enrichment Center in Marshall!
These organic ways of meeting people have the added bonus of enriching your life with or without a love match.
Whether you utilize the possibilities of the internet or the more intimate opportunities of in person meetings, there are people out there looking for connection, just like you! Don’t buy some love potion from the mystic down the street with the gold tooth or wish upon the first evening star. Love is in the air, on the internet, and maybe even at your local senior center.
