50 and Dating

People who are 50 and up may have problems in the dating circuit, but the good news is it that there are still possibilities for romance. A lot of single, and some taken, 50-somethings often find themselves very lonely even at their age. Going on the prowl might what your aged loved one may want deep inside, but he might not have the confidence to go out there and find a significant other by himself.

As more and more people 50 and above becoming divorced or widowed, loneliness is fast becoming an epidemic. Luckily, a variety of avenues should help people of all ages help scratch the itch; going out to bars and clubs, checking out dating websites, and many other places can let the 50 and above get a chance at a significant other again. If you would like a loved one of elderly age to meet somebody, then perhaps these tips may help.

Dating and Age

Dating is something commonly associated with teens and early adults. Many people who like to embrace and even flaunt their sexuality can do so more freely in their more formative growing years, leading to all kinds of experiences. Good and bad things can happen in the dating circuit, and more often than not, a select few can get lucky with a significant other.

While not as common, a person 50 and above can also enjoy much of this freedom of choice and romance, even though it might seem daunting at first. The same places where twenty-something singles can spend their nights picking up other willing singles may not be as easily accessible to the elderly without a spouse.

The U.S. Census bureau also states that more than one third of all Americans over 50 are single, whether separated, divorced or widowed. Whatever their reason, they are most likely not looking into getting into the dating game to find a long-term relationship. Age can also mean that a person may feel his or her time on earth is running out; a potent motivator for a person to have as much hedonistic fun as possible.

Of course, a senior's willingness to hit the dating circuit isn't always met with success. It can be hard for a senior to mingle in the same arenas that younger, more sexually active daters frequent. This sad fact, however, doesn't mean a senior has no chance of finding love or a casual encounter; it just means he or she has to play by a new set of rules to get some fun for the night.

Tips for 50-and-above Dating

Age gap aside, dating can be a very daunting experience for the inexperienced. Seniors who have been separated or divorced from a spouse may have a hard time getting used to a new face, especially one with romantic intentions. If you are 50 and are out there in the dating circuit in the first place, then you should be prepared to begin with.

• Going out to bars, clubs and other places where 50-and-above singles also frequent may be a little unnerving for some. If you can, ask some friends to try and hook you up with a person your age; you may discover an old flame that you missed a long time ago, or just someone you will be more comfortable spending time with.
• In fact, looking out for that special someone that didn't work out a long time ago might actually be a good idea. Many seniors who get married in their later years end up making up with people in their past, working out more than just a friendship or dating stint.
• If working through past connections is out of the question, then try looking online. There are now online dating sites that cater specifically to the 50-and-above demographic, offering unique features and social options for seniors.

When you do find a date, your age shouldn't be much of an obstacle in planning a great day or night out. The date itself can be as daunting, if not even more, than winning over a date. Here are some tips for if, and when, the date does indeed push through:

• Many single seniors may already have experiences with significant others in the past. While it is a fact that you may have been divorced, separated, widowed or recently broken up with an ex-girlfriend, try to keep chatter about these previous encounters to a minimum.
• If you are a senior with kids to take care of, then some new challenges may present themselves while dating. Try to mention them without making it sound like a bad thing, or sneak it into a conversation without making it seem like it is your intention to get another single to help you take care of your kids.
• Try some new things when you do find a person to date. This can include things you or your date have always wanted to try, but never got the opportunity to in the past. Hiking, mountain climbing, or even skydiving may help both of you feel alive and young again, while kindling romance in the process.

Above all, respect and treat your date with courtesy. People who are 50 and above lived in an age where chivalry and manners still existed; perhaps it may make your date more comfortable knowing that you still remember such things.

40 and Dating

You might think your dating options will run out when you turn 40, but you may be pleasantly surprised; it will not be the end of the road for you and romance. You are probably not going to be the only one turning 40 who happens not to have a significant other to celebrate with; there are, in fact, many people your age who are the same way. It can simply be a matter of going out and looking for them in certain places.

Many of the dating rules you have followed when you were younger may still ring true when you are 40. Granted, getting older means you may have to make some changes to your agenda here and there, but all in all, dating should still be much the same in the ways that count. Setting your standards too high may hinder your ability to go dating, no matter what age you are; just remember to have fun with whoever it is you are dating.

Challenges at 40

Being 40 while dating can present its own set of unique challenges to both daters in question. The matter of age will obviously come into play, especially if there is a big gap between you and the person you are dating. No matter how old either of you are, however, you should just keep in mind that a date is supposed to be fun, first and foremost.

Getting old can mean your mind can focus more on settling down after years of hard work and stress. While dating with the intent of marriage is certainly still acceptable today, some things may take time to work out; overly concerning yourself and your date with marriage may only make the both of you feel older.

That doesn't mean people who are 40 and above don't still date for their long-term aspirations; plenty of 40-somethings still go out each and every night to try their chances in the arena of casual encounters. Trying out dating when you turn 40 may even help revitalize you and your positive energy, or at least give you somebody to bed for a night to take your mind off an ex.

People who are also 40 years old may also feel even just a little insecure about their age more than anything. This might make going out and finding new people harder than normal, so trying out some online dating sites may be a better pick; you may be surprised at the amount of 40-somethings who are trying their chances online at the moment.

Being 40 should not be much of an obstacle standing between you and your desire not to feel lonely for the rest of your life.

Dating Tips for Singles Over 40

Dating when you are 40 may be challenging, but it is hardly impossible. Just look at the thousands upon thousands of single men and women over 40 mingling about in the dating circuit; they might even frequent the town you live in, in the places you like to frequent. Getting out there and finding them might be the only thing you really have to do.

Of course, some people who are 40 and above may be put off from the dating scene because of their age. Here are a few tips to help you overcome your anxiety, insecurity, or other mental obstacles:

• Be yourself around the person you are dating. This is probably something you have heard over and over again when you were younger, but it still holds true until when you are well past 40. You might be worried that being 40 will put off your date, but putting up a facade may make things even worse for both you and your date. For all you know, the person you are dating may be as nervous as you are; pulling out your natural charm may help break the ice between both of you.
• Relax around your date. Going out and dating when you are 40 might not be the end-all solution to all of your loneliness and isolation, so just enjoy the company while you have it. Your date might also feel more at ease if you open up to him or her just right, but just don't dump out all of your problems and insecurities. Sit back and have a good time.
• Listen to your date. Communication is important in any kind of relationship; if you are dating because a previous one didn't work out before, then you should have learned this by now. This can be especially true if you plan to date a single person for a long time, and even if you plan to get married.
• Avoid focusing too much on a single aspect of your date. This may include the personality, age, or financial status of the person you are dating; tunnel vision can only make your loneliness even worse if your date does not work out. This is the reason why some younger, more romantic lovers would never tell their significant others why they are in love, unless they love everything about that person.

Don't get desperate. Just because you are 40 doesn't mean there aren't other opportunities for you to date, even when you get it wrong the first time. Age isn't as big an obstacle as it was before; people who are 40 can now get dates just as easily as younger people nowadays.