13 Things To Know About Dating As An Older Woman

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It can be daunting when you’re dating as an older woman in your 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond. You’ve found yourself newly single, for whatever reason, but dating has probably changed a LOT since you last did it. Online dating seems terrifying, the dating pool appears to have run bone dry, and you’re much more set in your ways at this point, which can make the whole prospect of finding a good match seem near impossible.

Over a third of Baby Boomers are not married, and of those who have been (or are), there are higher rates of separation and divorce. It’s no secret that we’re all living a lot longer these days, which has also led to a consistent increase in the divorce rate for those over 50. Those stats can be a total downer if you take them too seriously, so we’re just going to park these right here for the rest of this article.

Stats aside, I want you to know that while dating might be different as an older woman, it can still be exhilarating. I’ve helped countless women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s find love—even when they thought they were too late to the dating party—and I’m confident that you can find love too.

So, if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and need some solid dating tips before you jump back in, keep reading.

Dating as an older woman? Here’s what you need to know

1. This journey will be uncomfortable

The longer you’re in a relationship with someone, the more comfortable you’re likely to feel. So when that security blanket gets ripped away from you, it can feel as shocking as being thrown into an ice bath. You’re waaaaaay out of your comfort zone. Life has dramatically changed. It feels like you’re beginning again from scratch.

But here’s the deal: this isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a beautiful thing. The best things happen when we push out of our comfort zone. Discomfort = growth. So remind yourself of that every time you feel lost or fearful of what lies ahead. Trust that you’re on this journey for a reason. Embrace feeling uncomfortable.

2. Learn to love yourself inside & out

Self-confidence and self-love are things I know all women struggle with at all ages (us guys have our fair share of those hang-ups too, but there’s less pressure on us). Sometimes women reach that middle stage of their life and feel more comfortable in their skin than ever before, while others struggle to accept the natural changes their body has gone through. If you’re in the latter, do your best to forget about how you “should” look (WTF does that mean anyway?!). Practice self-acceptance for the way you are today.

By all means, start moving your body more—if you want to. Get a makeover—if you want to. Have a complete overhaul of your wardrobe—if you want to. But turn down the volume on your inner critic and start recognizing your value. Think about all of your gifts, your talents, and the amazing qualities and quirks that make you, you. Little Love Step #1 is all about building your sexy confidence before you start dating so that you can begin positioning yourself as a high-value woman (because you are one, whether you realize it yet or not).

3. Stop thinking you’re going to die alone

woman on sofa

Yes, dating might have changed since you last did it. Yes, lots of men are happily married with kids. And yes, you might have to go on some crummy dates with some guys that don’t meet your love vision.

But stop focusing on the negatives. We attract what we think about most into our world. So instead of focusing on what you don’t want and all that could go wrong, start thinking about what you do want and everything that could go right.

Anyway, the reality is we’re ALL going to die alone. We come into this world alone, and we leave this world alone. That’s life. There’s nothing to fear about it.

This is your much-needed reminder that you are worthy of a remarkable man, and you will find your way to him in time.

Editor’s note: Ready to attract love with a proven strategy? Watch this free video to learn the 7 powerful steps

4. Let go of the stigma of being single

We live in an extraordinary time where single people (particularly women) are met with sympathy and pity, while those coupled up or married are put on a pedestal by default. Statements like, “I can’t believe you’re single” are thrown around with good intentions, but would we ever say the equivalent to our married friends?

We automatically assume that one is better than the other, but it’s not. And even though your intentions are to date and eventually find a long-term relationship, please remember there is NOTHING wrong with being single!

“Being single isn’t wrong. Sit with that a while. Because when you do, singlehood starts proving its worth to you, starts showing you all the little pleasurable pockets you haven’t been able to see before. If you give a happy, valid singlehood a chance, I think you’ll like it. I think you’ll give fewer bad actors in the dating space the chance to negatively impact how you feel, too.”

Shani Silver, author of A Single Revolution.

5. Make friends with other single women

dating as an older woman

When you’re dating as an older woman, one of the things that can be the biggest obstacle to your success is surrounding yourself with happy couples. I don’t mean you have to ditch all your married friends, but if you don’t have any single girlfriends, it’s time to make some.

You’re in a different place in your life now. The last thing you want is to feel ostracised by all your coupled-up girlfriends. So make a point of spending plenty of time with other singletons. People who want to join you on speed dating nights and wing-woman you at the bar and swap crazy dating stories.

Join a local singles group, pick up some new hobbies, or join one of the many apps designed to help people make new friends.

6. Dating has probably changed a lot since you last did it

dating as an older woman

Hello, online dating.

Everyone has an opinion on it.

Love it or hate it, I think it’s safe to say that it’s here to stay. According to Katie Sheppard, director of relationships at Match.com, online dating is now the second most common way couples meet across the UK after being introduced by mutual friends or family.

My advice when it comes to online dating is to choose a site or app focused on helping single people find long-term relationships instead of something casual (unless that’s what you want). A few of the ones I recommend to my Love Accelerator clients are Bumble, Hinge, Zoosk, and Match.com.

I know many people want to meet their partner in real life and have a meet-cute moment, but waiting for love to come and find you is a mistake. You’ve got to take the initiative and start taking conscious steps towards what you want.

If you need a little help when it comes to the tech side of getting your profile set up, ask a friend or family member to help you out. And remember to be vigilant and watch out for potential scams—there’s a lot of people online who are not who they say they are.

7. Accept that you might have “baggage”

mother and daughter

Nobody gets to their 40s, 50s, or 60s without a healthy amount of baggage piled up. Exes, divorces, kids, grandkids, health issues… whatever you’ve got going on does not phase me in the slightest. And here’s what I want you to wrap your head around—all the men you’re going to be dating will have their fair share of baggage too.

So quit being embarrassed by it or feeling like it’s going to hold you back from finding love. That’s all in your head.

I’m not too fond of the term baggage anyway. I think of it as living life. If you feel like you’ve got a ton of baggage, that means you’ve done a lot of living, and that’s a beautiful thing. Accept who you are and where you stand today. Don’t be afraid to be upfront about your circumstances from the beginning when dating someone new. The right person won’t be put off by “baggage.”

8. But with that comes plenty of experience

Following on from what I just said in the previous point, by the time you reach that middle phase of your life, you’ve racked up a ton of experience. Think about how far you’ve come over the past year, five years, or the last decade. You’re smarter, stronger, and wiser.

One of the common fears about dating as an older woman is that you’ll be competing with younger, more “attractive” women in their 20s and 30s. While those women might look more youthful, you can still radiate youth in the way you behave. Get in touch with your playful, childish side and commit to having fun while getting to know new people. After all, age is no more than the number of candles on our birthday cake each year.

Focus on all you have to offer someone, and you’ll quickly realize there’s a lot.

9. Practice your flirting game

If it has been a hot minute since you last dated, then it’s normal to feel like you’ve forgotten how to flirt. But like anything, it can be learned, and learning how to flirt again can be incredibly empowering and liberating.

Here are some simple tips to get you started:

  • Pay attention to your body language. For example, make eye contact with men you’re interested in and smile (these two things alone can make a world of difference).
  • Don’t be afraid to compliment him on something.
  • Joke around, tease him (gently), and laugh with him.

If you feel self-conscious or nervous about flirting with men you’re attracted to, start practicing with men you’re not attracted to. Flirt with the guy at the grocery store, the guy who makes your coffee each morning, or the guy who’s fixing your car at the garage.

The more you flirt, the more natural it will start to feel, and the more fun it will be!

10. Don’t limit yourself

When you’re dating as an older woman, it’s essential that you don’t close yourself off to new possibilities or be so specific in the kind of man you’re looking for that no one comes close. Of course, set the bar high and have your boundaries and values, but at the same time, don’t rule anything out before you’ve given it a fair chance.

You might have a limited or fixed idea of what the perfect man or relationship looks like. For example, maybe you want someone between a specific age range or someone who has kids because you also have kids. But what if there’s a guy out there who matches your love vision (Little Love Step #2) but is two years younger than your ideal age? Or what if there’s a guy who is perfect for you in every other way, but he doesn’t have kids?

This is why I encourage you to be open to all kinds of men from all walks of life. Because who knows who you’ll end up building a deep connection with?

11. Don’t settle for less than you deserve

This relates nicely to the last point. While it will absolutely benefit you not to close any doors until you’ve explored what’s behind them, it’s equally important not to lower your standards or settle for someone who doesn’t treat you well.

You’ve gotten to where you are right now without a man, and you’re doing fine, right? You don’t need a man, but you’d like one. There’s a big difference there. So remind yourself that you don’t need anyone when you’re dating. You don’t need to settle for the first guy who walks into your lie out of fear of not meeting anyone else. Take things slowly, and don’t commit to anything that doesn’t feel right.

12. Get comfortable making the first move

dating as an older woman

This one applies to all women, no matter what age bracket you fall into. If there’s a guy you’re interested in, it’s okay to be the one to strike up a conversation or ask him out for a drink. Similarly, when you’re dating someone, it’s okay to ask questions about where you stand, where the relationship is heading, and say that you’re ready to be exclusive (if you are).

You don’t have to leave everything up to the man. Some guys are genuinely shy. Others might think you’re the most beautiful woman EVER, but be too intimidated to ask you out. So if you’re feeling it, go for it.

13. Let’s talk about SEX

Finally, on my list of things to know about dating as an older woman is to be safe in the bedroom. I don’t want to sound like an old man, but I’m prepared to wear that label if it means you’re taking care of yourself as you start dipping your toes back into the sea of dating.

Just because you’ve already been through menopause, it doesn’t mean you can forget about protection! Regardless of whether you’re 20 or 50, it’s important to use contraception and make sure you trust your partner enough before taking your relationship to that next phase.

So, to recap: enjoy having sex, protect yourself, and respect your boundaries.

Conclusion

I hope this article has helped calm your nerves (a little), stoked the fire within you, and left you feeling excited about this next chapter of your life. Who knows who you’ll meet, where you’ll go, and where this journey will take you over the coming weeks, months, and years?

Remember, there’s no pressure to start dating again if you’re not ready yet. So take your time. Make sure you’re at peace within and prepared to welcome in someone new.

What are your biggest fears or reservations about dating as an older woman? Let me know in the comments below.

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Annie
2 years ago

#5 don’t just make friends with single women, nurture and build deep abiding platonic friendships with adult, not necessarily in your age demographic, men friends. This is especially true ones you already know as they really know you and have friends about whom they know lots – absolutely no poaching on the ones who are married. #13 before ever jumping into intimacy, have a safe sex talk with you doctor..they’ll advise both parties should have std testing, touchy subject but important as there are 2 very serious diseases for women that men can carry without knowing it. Also, doc can… Read more »

Karen
2 years ago

With everything else feeling so perfect, Is it even worth pursuing a relationship with a man who doesn’t have children if you’re unable to have any ?

Kathryn
2 years ago

I came out of a marriage in which the guy was cheating. I’m having a hard time trusting the guy in my new exclusive relationship even though he’s given me absolutely no reason not to trust him.

Karen F
2 years ago
Reply to  Kathryn

Hi Kathryn! I am sorry to hear that. I was in a 32 year relationship/marriage and found out my husband cheated on me as well. We could not save our marriage and have been divorced for 6 years. I had many self esteem problems to contend with and worked on them one by one. What I had to focus on religiously was to not bring my ex-husband’s infidelity into a new relationship. It was difficult but I kept plugging away at it. If you really like this man you are dating and he isn’t showing any signs of being a… Read more »

Carrie
2 years ago

self body image , although not typical for my age , still hard to accept and share, being comfortable with intimacy.

Karen
2 years ago

Great article. Right on point for many topics. I still find my biggest frustration is how to get a guy I’m interested in on a dating sight to start a conversation with me. Always feels like guys I like don’t like me back and visa versa. I’m looking for strategy to help in this area.

Mona Borg
2 years ago

All the men i have met until now Just take it for granted that we are going to have sex on the first date.

Corinne
1 year ago
Reply to  Mona Borg

Yes thats right. All they want. So wrong!

Janette
3 months ago
Reply to  Mona Borg

This is a concern of mine also, as I’m back in the dating scene and haven’t been here for more than ten years.

What changed for you (until now)? Did it take time for you to find the high-quality men?

madhu
2 years ago

I am a widow in my 70s and felt incredibly lucky when a desirable man “walked” into my life, unexpectedly, just having moved to my small island where the chance to meet a quality local man is extremely low….we had an exciting relationship for 2 1/2 years, lots of shared interests, laughter, traveled together and survived the pandemic together….he then broke up with me, totally out of the blue, refusing to give detailed reasons, just claiming that the relationship was harmful to his health. 4 months later he reconnected with an old friend who will relocate to move in with… Read more »

Adrienne DuBarry
2 years ago

A man that I had been seeing for 8 months broke it off with me. We never said we were exclusive but I fell for him big time. It is hard for me to get over it. It scares me to get into another relationship because I don’t want to feel that way again.

Lissa
2 years ago

Seems all the men I meet in their early 50’s (my age) want younger women. Only men interested are in their 60s and falling apart. I am NOT going to be a nurse at work and home!

Katy
2 years ago
Reply to  Lissa

Trust me, it’s not just men in their 50’s that are looking for younger women. I’m in my 70’s and I notice on a lot of the dating sites, guys my age are looking for younger women too! Perhaps they are just looking for someone to take care of them in their old age. I think it’s unfair of them to limit themselves this way. I am healthy and can take care of myself. This just kind of irks me though.

Patricia
1 month ago
Reply to  Katy

I’m 77 and I find that the men my age are just old farts….most of them. I don’t want to spend my remaining years nursing anyone with health issues. I lost my husband of 50 years just over 4 years ago and he was the only one for me and I won’t be nursing anyone else. The guys in their 60’s are much more to my liking and much to my surprise many are interested in older women. So far, I’ve had no luck in finding one who wants exclusivity which is something I require. But I am enjoying the… Read more »

Just Wondering
2 years ago

Your tips are spot on! I’m in my early 50’s and freshly divorced. I’m finding that a lot of men my age are looking for younger women. I’m getting a lot of men in their 60’s and 70’s responding to my profile. I’m also finding that communication is not so great with some men. I must just be out of the loop and need to learn how men communicate because the few men whom I started dating don’t seem to be interested in asking me any questions about who I am. How does a man show he wants to get… Read more »

cara
1 year ago
Reply to  Just Wondering

I have found this to be a problem too. They only look at the pictures and then monologue about themselves. If they don’t ask questions, I move on. There’s no way to convince them to want to get to know me.

2 years ago

Sharing my bed to actually sleep. Or my space…ive been single since 96. Waited for my girls to grow up… they did, I still didnt date, Now not sure i want to but thinking about it. 70 yrs now

Alice
2 years ago

I’m very young looking and lovable in every way plenty of talent and I look sexy but the problem is how do you tell a man you have implants that’s removable before you marry do not want to surprise him after the marriage

Niki
2 years ago

I don’t know anything about online dating or how to start!
I’m not really scared just not sure how to set my expectations and boundaries. I’m very lax and generous so I don’t want to be foolish!

Nancy
6 months ago
Reply to  Niki

I got very tired of the fishing and scams. I changed my profile, I Decided To be 100% honest, about who I am and exactly what I am expecting. ( I have a disability) and not looking for a FWB) I expected to not receive one like.! My inbox is full. every week, off men wanting to talk.! Some are scammers but I have met a few really nice honest and genuine men! In fact getting ready to actually meet two of them this weekend ( Different days! LOL) I usually like the online texting for at least a week.Maybe… Read more »

Janette
3 months ago
Reply to  Nancy

Thank you for sharing your experience with online dating. I have been wondering about it. Scammers are everywhere, and it is easier for them to hide online.

Karrie
1 year ago

I was married for 40 years. I have now come into my own and have become an independent strong woman. My biggest fear is losing her. I really like her.

Corinne
1 year ago

Thank you fior this! I’m recently widowed 65 yrs old. Was married 41 yrs. So difficult. I can’t afford your course but do enjoy your emails. I have a long ways to go..

LLisa
1 year ago

I am a woman in my early 60’s. I have been divorced for 1 year now and like you said, I am doing fine and I do not need a man but I would like one! My biggest issue is body image and being comfortable sharing my body with someone else.

Terry
1 year ago

I have a ‘no sex outside of marriage’ boundary because of my belief in Godly values – are there ANY men ANYWHERE of ANY AGE who share those values? I have given up.

DA Campbell
6 months ago
Reply to  Terry

Have you tried within churches you trust the teaching from?

Terrylynn
1 year ago

I’m a very attractive outgoing woman 65. However I have been on dates where there is a great connection they tell me they want to see me again. Then they tell me a day or to later that an old girlfriend has come back in and they worked out their difference. This has happened 3 times

Georgia Yarnall
1 year ago

I just turned 70 and seem to attract men in their late 50’s. This has happened 3x now. It’s flattering, but wondering if we really could have a serious relationship.

Christina
1 year ago

I get anxiety about flirting. What can I do to feel better about flirting.
I am worried it will go all wrong.

Nelly
1 year ago

Where to go.??? After 22 years out of the game and 63 years old, sometimes you wonder where to go- Thank you four your great articles- I’m learning a lot!

Teresa
1 year ago

Thank you Adam. This article was exceptionally helpful for me. I hadn’t dated for over 10 years due to life being so busy. I have recently decided to get back out there and it is scary after 50. I don’t want to seem thirsty or desperate, so I had to lay down the ground rules for myself before stepping out there. Thanks again for the article.

1 year ago

I think it’s harder to find a committed man because of all the technology there is now.

Karen
1 year ago

Afraid of it all, getting hurt, not saying the right thing, other women saying the right thing all the time, lousy at texting to men.

Judy Gannon
7 months ago

Hi. I’m a 69 year old divorced 4 times mother of 2 boys and a girl and grandmother to 2 boys and 2 girls. I am attractive, physically fit to a point and happy with myself. I live on SS and get by. I have had a beautiful love of my life and 3 nightmares. However, as your article stated I would have never found him if I hadn’t put myself out there. I never thought I would be alone at this stage of my life but I am. I enjoy it. I can’t say I love it but I… Read more »

Deborah Naegele
7 months ago

Everything above resonates with my experience. I wasted the past 15 years not being ready to love again after my husband passed. I am ready & know who I am & what I want. Just very hard to find meeting new people. Changed my profile from widowed as too many connections that are looking 4 a sugar mama & scammers

Annie
5 months ago

I want someone intelligent, patient due to our different shapes of life experiences to understand each other, someone who likes to laugh at our mistakes, someone adventurous, someone who loves God more than me, romantic, who loves to play, mentally young, healthy lifestyle, someone who would like to commit permanently not on and off. Share his passions and include me in all his thoughts. Someone who likes to pray, someone with integrity and is aligned with my values and morals, and make the most of it every day loving me ferociously.

5 months ago

I’m a youthful active intelligent 60. Divorced for a decade. Have been in several relationships of varying length. I’m confident and comfortable with being alone. I’m not lonely. I have high standards but have gotten better about being flexible….but not settling. Regarding this article….the 40ish guy in the video is a self absorbed dolt. Seriously? Giving women (40’s to 60’s as per article) dating advice and his idea of funny and a good movie is DUMB & DUMBER!!! Wow! There are plenty of places to meet nice men. Church, social-athletic clubs – golf, tennis, pickleball, equestrian etc… Take a class… Read more »

Estel
4 months ago

11 yr toxic marriage, lots of counseling to repair the mental and emotional abuse. It’s been 12 yrs since the divorce. My scare is that maybe I’m too comfortable being single and selfish that I don’t want to have to share my time. I’m a lost cause.

Lorraine
4 months ago

I’m in lust with a married ma whose also 19 years younger than me! I flirt with him all the time. I am 71 years young, feel 45 but I wonder if he thinks thar I’m just a horny old lady. This kind of hurts. I’ve felt this way about him for 6 years now..
There’s pain that comes with it, the unrequited love thingy… what to do… what to do?

Janette
3 months ago
Reply to  Lorraine

Married. Say NEXT and move on.

Janette
3 months ago

Most men who flirt with me are ten or more years younger than me because I look younger than I am. I would like to get a good hair color again, but that might make me look even younger. I also just don’t pick up on signals from men very quickly; I could be missing out on connecting with my soulmate because of this and it scares me. Also, why does a man hide his left hand when he talks with me? Am I supposed to know what this means? Am I supposed to respond a certain way when this… Read more »

Valy
1 month ago

As an older woman navigating the dating scene, I find that embracing confidence and being true to oneself is crucial. It’s important to connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate authenticity. If you’re looking for advice and community, check out this helpful resource: https://silver-singles.pissedconsumer.com/customer-service.html . It’s a great place to find support and insights!

Last edited 1 month ago by Valy
Mark
5 seconds ago

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