Seniors: Time to Find Relationships Online?

Did you know that baby boomers and seniors are the fastest growing group of internet daters? Online dating isn’t just for “young” adults anymore, today many people over 60 are hitting the web to find new companions, casual dates or serious love. The stigma of a relationship found online is now a thing of the past!

Online dating sites can vary, so you will want to do a bit of research before committing to a site, especially if you choose a site that charges a fee. Check out www.online-dating-zone.com and click on “Seniors” at the top, to help you compare site specifically for seniors. Most sites charge from about $10 per month up to $60 per month depending on the services you want within the site. Its also ok, and common, for people to subscribe to several different sites at the same time. Most sites do offer a free trial for new members so you can try before you buy. If you don't like what you see, or the site isn't user friendly, try another site that has a free trial membership.

Once you find a site that you like and want to officially join, you will need to work on creating a profile. A profile should be honest and reflect who you are which can include photos, hobbies, interests, family history, dreams, goals and more. If you need help creating a profile, AARP offers a personal ad maker for free. Go to www.aarpmagazine.org/lifestyle and click on “Create your own personal ad” at the bottom of the page. You can also enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member. Sites like ProfileHelper.com and E-Cyrano.com can also help you create a profile for a fee. Once your profile is complete, you should have a few people provide honest feedback to make sure you are representing yourself the way you truly want to be reflected.

When you register with a dating service you remain anonymous. Until you decide, nobody is given your full name, address, phone number or email address. Sharing information is only done at your discretion, and you will want to be very prudent with giving out your personal information. If you connect with someone on your site, chat online or on the phone and exchange emails for awhile before meeting in person. Once you decide to meet in person, always select a public place with plenty of other people around. Beware that not everyone represents themselves truthfully. If they look or sound too good to be true, they probably are, so use common sense.

To make connections, it takes effort on both sides. Women especially tend to sit back and let others come to them. If you find someone you like, make an effort and send them a short note that says “I really enjoyed your profile. I think we have some things in common.” Make it short and sweet and let them know you might be interested. The worst that can happen is that they don't respond.

If you do send a note and don't get a response, don't take it personally. Just move on and keep looking. There are plenty of fish in the sea, and it only takes one person to make online dating worthwhile!

If online dating sites are not appealing to you, consider social networking sites such as eons.com, boomj.com or rezoom.com that are created specifically for boomers and older, and are great places to meet people without the looming pressure of finding a mate on a dating site.