Sex & Relationships

The Best Senior Dating Sites

By Walker Thornton Wednesday, November 19, 2014 20 Comments Share This:

A recent Pew survey on remarriage found that divorce rates for older Americans have doubled since 1990 and one in two divorced or widowed seniors had remarried in 2013. That represents a big boost for senior dating sites and an increase in the number of older singles populating the big sites like Match.com. Count the increasing numbers of older women who want to date but are not interested in remarrying (the Pew points to a gender gap there), and you get a picture of seniors swarming the dating sites.

Still, while the headlines want us to believe that hundreds of thousands of seniors are happily engaged in online dating and finding our next partners via their profiles, would that it were that simple!

The online dating scene is a bit of a jungle, with people claiming to be who they aren’t (younger, mainly) and potential matches getting stuck in endless email conversations before ever meeting. But with promising new sites launching all the time, it’s becoming easier to navigate the landscape and find the right fit for you, whether you’re looking for companionship, a lifelong lover or a fun date for the weekend.

Here are our dating site picks for seniors, 2104 (see our earlier picks here). We’ve tested the big sites, as well as some promising newcomers.

Stitch

A companion/dating site for older adults age 50 and over, Stitch launched earlier this year in San Francisco and is accepting signups from users in other areas of the country. New York City and Los Angeles are up next and will launch when enough people have registered from these areas.

Why it made the list It’s beautifully designed, with clear information about how to use the site. The mandatory identity verification system is a nice safety feature designed to eliminate scammers, well worth the $10 verification fee for a free user plan. Plus, the people who run the site seem genuinely interested in getting user feedback and acting on it.

Who’s It good for Older people looking for companionship, activity partners, a travel companion, dating or a long term relationship.

The downside Currently, unless you live in the San Francisco area it’s impossible to do a targeted search for your state or city. But for now, you can meet Stitchers” in other locations in order to connect for travel or chat about mutual interests long-distance.

Cost The free plan lets you see one profile a day. Other plans are $9 or $19 a month, depending on options you choose. See more about pricing here.

Check it out at stitch.net.

Coffee Meets Bagel

This is a relatively new and novel dating site. By connecting with your Facebook account, it matches you with a person, called a “bagel,” who is a friend of one or more of your Facebook friends. When you receive a bagel, you have the option to like or pass; both sides have to like in order for either to take the next step.

Why it made the list Using only friends of friends eliminates some of the unknowns of dating and increases the likelihood that you’ll find you have something in common.

Who it’s good for People with lots of Facebook friends who are looking for quick meet-ups and casual dating.

The downside Ninety percent of the site’s users are under the age of 35, according to information we found. The system depends on users have plenty of single Facebook friends, and since it also requires that any prospective date you “like” also likes you (“likes” do not show up on your Facebook!), it can be hard to get a match. Plus, the site only shows one match in a 24-hour period. I’ve only gotten one match in the last 10 days.

Cost It’s free to sign up and use, but you pay for “Beans” – Beans unlock more information about your match, such as mutual friends. You can pay for a bunch of Beans or earn them by inviting friends or engaging in other cute little gimmicks. An extra Bean allows you to revisit bagels -i.e. matches – after the 24-hour window and check your ranking.

eHarmony

eHarmony markets its site as the gateway to marriage. Reviews indicate that 14 to 23 percent of users are over age 55; there is no data for ages 60 and over.

Why it made the list eHarmony uses “29 dimensions of compatibility” to pick matches— based on an extensive questionnaire. The site’s algorithm is based on six qualities that include agreeability, sexual and romantic passion and spirituality.

Who’s it good for Singles looking for marriage or long-term relationships.

The downside eHarmony only accepts heterosexuals and people who are single, divorced or widowed; check “separated” on the questionnaire, and you’ll find yourself ineligible. With an unpaid membership you can’t see profile photos, though you can see some details about a person. You must fill out the complete questionnaire and then go through the three levels of what eHarmony calls a “guided communication” with a prospective partner whom eHarmony has chosen for you – this communication is an exchange of questions, then a round of makes/breaks and finally a series of questions designed to dig deeper. Only after you’ve completed these three rounds are you able to directly email or chat with a potential date (however, it is possible to break the rules and contact a date directly). Just as with Match.com (see below), eHarmony has been criticized by many on consumer review sites for subscription cancellation issues.

Cost Plans vary from Basic to Premier. Basic per month is $59.95 or around $85 for 6 months, but special offers might be available.

Check it out at eharmony.com

Match.com

Match is one of the most well-known and widely used dating sites for all ages; roughly 30 percent of users are age 50 or over according to a recent article; no data is available for number of users over 60.

Why it made the list Unlike some sites, Match allows you to specify a wide number of criteria in the person you’re looking for. You can specify religious status, smoking and drinking preferences, marital status and more. The site’s well regarded Synapse matching algorithm uses your profile details, match criteria and on-site searches to find the best matches for you. So for example, if you state that you only want 6’1” nonsmoking men, but you occasionally search for or look at 5’8” individuals who smoke, the site will provide shorter smokers among your potential matches. The site also points you to Mutual Matches – people who not only match your criteria, but who also say they are looking for someone like you. Like eHarmony, Match only accepts users who are single, divorced or widowed.

Who’s it good for People seeking long-term relationships as well as short term dating.

The downside Match has a high number of fake users, as do some of the other sites, and it doesn’t alert you to possible spammers. As with eHarmony, unsubscribing is reported to be difficult.

Cost $17.99 a month for 6 months, with discounts for first time users. A free membership allows you to browse, but restricts your ability to interact with members or see who is interested in you.

Check it out at match.com

OKCupid

OKCupid is one of the best free sites available. Users can see full profiles and communicate for free.

Why it made the list It’s completely free and allows for rapid connecting with users. Optional questions allow users to learn more about potential dates. Another advantage of this site is the lack of restrictions: married individuals are permitted to put up profiles, which helps eliminate the likelihood that someone will pretend to be single, and allows you to make informed decisions. The LGBTQ community is welcome.

Who’s it good for People who are interested in casual dating, casual sex or friendships.

The downside In July 2014, OKCupid admitted to conducting experiments on users to see how match percentages and other factors affected users’ perceptions. This revelation calls into question their commitment to providing users with a trustworthy experience. Like Match, OKCupid has been criticized for having a high number of fake users.

Cost The free option allows you to communicate freely with as many users as you like through emails and online chats. For $9.95 a month, you get extra perks.

Check it out at okcupid.com

Also worth noting

AYI Dating

AYI, or Are You Interested, is considered one of the larger dating sites and, like Coffee Meets Bagel, lets you connect with friends of your Facebook friends. According to AYI, 25 percent of the site’s US members who log in each day are age 60-plus. Instead of asking you to fill out a questionnaire, the site simply imports your Facebook profile. Unlike Coffee Meets Bagel, the site doesn’t require a two-way “like”; if you see a profile that interests you, you can message that person directly. The price is reasonable – $24.99 a month (though I was offered $12.50 a month, or $6.25 a month for a 6-month subscription).

My experience as a free-plan member has been confusing and unsatisfactory. AYI has sent me over 100 messages from men; the messages include a link to pay up and learn more. I’m unclear as to who is sending these, the men or AYI. Most are people I would never meet in real life and would probably not date.

Plus:

Which dating sites have you tried? Share your experiences in the comments section.

COMMENTS

20 responses to “The Best Senior Dating Sites”

Gnu 2 You:

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at 7:23pm

It’s hard being on the look out for Love, Loneliness can be a stumbling block, and leave you open to so many threats.
I am 61, Sex is not the criteria but it is a part of the equation. finding weather he or she is the right person does not take months of dating it is chemistry and to and be in a good place spiritually and emotionally (baggage behind) but these sites are costly for the crapshoot, dating is costly and just how many of the potentials are looking for the easy life at your expense. These are facts of life and I can only say that it is a tough road to travel. I m on a fixed budget and am a pretty nice guy that loves to laugh and keep things simple.
We are all apart of a bigger picture but when it comes to trust it doesn’t come cheap. Wishing us all the best and smiles to last !

Reply to Gnu 2 You
alan:

Saturday, August 12, 2017 at 6:56pm

3 years out of a 26 year marriage and sticking my toes back in the water. I have been honest about myself and don’t tell lies or untruths. I am what I am and tell it like it is. I find everyone wants one to fit into their little box. I joined POF 4 months ago and not one single meet, 2 phone calls and lots of promises.
I clearly state what I am looking for, people message me saying they want to meet I write and never hear back. There is little integrity. I have pretty much stopped answering I want to meet you requests.
I am looking for companionship, I don’t want to scam you and I will not change for you..
I live in the west village in Manhattan and there should be zillions of people to choose from, I don’t understand what gives?

Reply to alan
1. Debby:
  
  Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at 5:49am
  
  Hi Al. I’m only about 225 mi from you. I live in Boston. I loved your comment. Exactly to the point.
  
  Reply to Debby
Dolores Bradwell:

Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 7:19pm

I’ve been looking for online dating services for a long time. I don’t think I am too picky, but I do like for men to dress properly and like
to go out to some of the most basic places like: Movies, Theaters to see a play occasionally and concerts and dinners and quiet walks or just simply sit and talk with each other and listen to some soft music. But it’s been hard to find seniors who like to look good sometimes. Jeans and shabby clothes or ok, sometimes, but not every day. It’s been hard. I am a female, senior, attractive and an actress. and in my late 60’s , but I’ll date men from 39 – 80 if they are attractive, intelligent and like to go out and enjoy sometimes!

Reply to Dolores Bradwell
1. Karen:
  
  Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 4:10pm
  
  Alan,
  
  As a newly divorced female, after 34 years of marriage, it is a challenge finding quality people that may or may not share your interests. There are a lot of people to meet, in your area especially. I suspect there could be a physical dating site that matches you with someone for lunch or dinner, based on your preference.
  
  I am just looking for companionship and a few quality friends that are trust worthy and honest. I cannot find that. I do not know how long it takes, but I do know I cannot do this for three years or more. The loneliness is consuming, even though I stay busy. I have no family or friends. I am starting over…alone. Some days it would be wonderful to have a conversation over coffee. Doesn’t seem impossible, does it. It is a challenge everyday. Do not give up Alan. You sound like a sincere man. I wish you the best.
  
  Karen
  
  Reply to Karen
Kathy:

Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 6:25am

To Barbara or other Senior Planet editor:

The link you provided for your Stitch entry does NOT lead to the real Stitch website. (I tried it twice–it goes to https://seniorplanet.org//ww38.sticth.net/–then typed in Stitch.org directly into the URL bar.)

Also, Stitch is now clearly international in membership, with the majority living in the U.S. In addition, their emphasis is on *community* (but not in the pseudo-community sense of social media) which is very different from other “”dating sites.” You may want to update the info. (I find their intention and focus description intriguing and unique. I’m definitely going explorin’!)

Thanks,
Kathy

Reply to Kathy
kevin1q2:

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 at 1:43am

I think Ourtime is the best one, it is a dating site with significant characteristics which is dedicated for people who are over 50.

Reply to kevin1q2
Nancy Marie:

Friday, August 19, 2016 at 7:45pm

I am an attractive young 61 who still can wear clothes from 30 years ago. I take pride in my body and appearance my grandkids tell me all the time that Grams u r too cute, funny and kind to not have someone to adore you. Most men I see my age have huge guts, wear outdated clothes, they look like they could be my Dad. Also I don’t drink and almost every one is wine tasting, motorcycle riding, watching car races. I am affectionate, big heart, financially secure, only married once, love my family, friends, God. I love to do home projects, garden, movies, the beach. I thought I met a nice man but found out it was a Nigerian scam artist & then my credit card was stolen. I would love to meet someone to make me laugh & to spend the best years with. I tried Zoosk what a disappointment as they only picked u by your photo no one read my bio as I stated no smokers or big drinkers. So any suggestions on what dating site is the best? I am going to try one more time.
Cute California Grandma❤️‼️

Reply to Nancy Marie
Mary Ann Perelli:

Sunday, August 14, 2016 at 3:04pm

It’s all about scammers. If you tell them your real age (69) you get widower’s. Watch out for them. They turned out twice to be scammers and this was on “Catholisoulmates.com.
Thought this site would be a lot safer but I was led on for 3 months before he asked for money.

Personally, I think these sites are dangerous. The company, People Media starts harassing you and attaches YOUR PROFILE to all their other sites and then starts taunting you to check out men on your personal email that are supposedly (where do they get their permission to do this)
Interested in you so you will join. So much fine print in their disclosures it’s hard to opt out. Pay pal covers you if you want to cancel. I think if you are ment to find someone it will happen naturally. Don’t trust these sites

Reply to Mary Ann Perelli
1. Doree:
  
  Monday, December 12, 2016 at 6:27pm
  
  Hi;
  
  I have just found this site today and I agree that most of these sites, if not all are dangerous. I have been scammed recently on a Christian site. I have come to the conclusion that some of us are destined to be alone for the rest of their lives.
  
  I am 71 years of age and have been widowed for 16 years, I think I’ll just forget about all this and enjoy my freedom, being single is not that awful especially compared to being in a wrong relationship.
  
  This is all a waste of time and money to my mind and also there are no men in my age group in my area so it will always be long distance which is not what I want. I am so finished with these scammer sites.
  
  Reply to Doree
JamesBrown:

Tuesday, July 19, 2016 at 12:59pm

My grandpa liked eHarmony, thank you!

Reply to JamesBrown
1. Nancy Marie:
  
  Friday, August 19, 2016 at 8:06pm
  
  I read that the scammers usually say they are widowed, usually have only one child, often say their is not much social media on them like FB, Twitter, etc because of their jobs. My scammer said he worked for the DPUN United Nations and they don’t allow u to have social media accounts but I researched that and it was a lie. He said he was working in South Africa on a huge building project and he would earn 35 million dollars when completed. He then asked me if I wanted to be like an assistant to him & he would pay me 1.5 million dollars. I knew he was looking for my social security number & declined the job. Then he twice emailed me saying he was sick and could I order him and he had a huge list of things, polarized sun glasses, mosquito nets, beats microphones, canned meat, water, etc. I said you are in a Hotel and I searched the place he said he was in and their were stores everywhere. So I then said ok give me your credit card info & I will order them. Well he said oh no I can’t order in Africa they will steel my info, but I said you want me to do it on my credit card? Then he wrote again & said he was in a hospital sick from drinking brown water & could I call his doctor to get him medicine. I worked in healthcare for a major Heath care system & laughed at that one. Also on the what to watch for he said oh I have a Brittish Accent yet he said he was born in the mid west. So I questioned that & he said well my parents died so I lived with my grandparents in Europe. But he said he has been in the US for over 40 years. Also he immediately started calling me Darling and pronounced his love for me. I said you have never met me. I don’t believe unless you meet someone & spend time with them it’s impossible to fall in love like that. So beware, I researched profiles on scammers on dating sites. I would never agree to meet anyone that I could not verify their address phone number and common information. I have seen the shows on Dr. Phil where these recent widows are scammed by these disgusting humans & not only breaking their hearts but wiping them out of all their savings and many have lost their homes. If they do not bring to the table at least what you have then at our age why waste your time. I do not want to support a man. I hope my story will help other women to be aware. Thankfully he didn’t get anything from me, someone did use my charge card but I saw it immediately and cancelled my card. It was for something stupid like a bike cover. So I don’t think it was him. Good luck ladies & my motto is I would rather live alone than wish I was alone in a marriage that is unhealthy!
  
  Reply to Nancy Marie
  1. anne:
    
    Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:42pm
    
    Good god lady. How much of that crap did you buy before recognizing hum as a bulls**t artist?
Katherine:

Friday, July 8, 2016 at 9:44pm

I have been on Zoosk, eharmony(very much a Christian site more than dating), POF; seniors meet; a lot of scammers on all the sites, has anyone noticed that the men stop taking care of their appearance after 55? I have! It is unbelievable. I, personally, like to date a man in his middle 50’s to 62, because of that! The men still care how they look. But basically, the men ALL want the one thing; sex. Almost immediately, most not all, start talking about sex. I tell them that it is inappropriate for a man to even think about it on the first message, text or date. I think most men think we’re hard up. It is very discouraging.I’ve even asked them, how they would feel, if a man their daughter, sister etc were dating and the man came on like that. Boy, what a surprise, the old double standard, they did not like it, whatsoever!

Reply to Katherine
B.Ann:

Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 3:52pm

I have been divorced since 2007 and it took me till October 2015 to decide that it was time to meet someone. Honestly, I would have done it sooner, but I had two children to raise and they were my focus. Anyway, I investigated the various websites and decided on OutTime. I knew that it would take awhile to find someone I felt some sort of connection to, so I joined for 6 months to give it a good try. So far, I have had many contacts and met 4 of those men offline. They are (were?) good men as they “advertised” in their profiles, but so far, not for me. However, they are turning out to be friends so that’s good. The downside to this site is that the “matches” generated are random and half the time are so far in left field, it’s laughable. Another point of contention I have is that this site allows individuals under 50 to join. I am 60 years old and though I look good for my age (whatever that means!), I am SO not interested in men that are in their 40’s and early 50’s. If a site is advertised for individuals at or over a certain age, then that site should stick to that age group.

Reply to B.Ann
Pegelee:

Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 4:34pm

Being 63, divorced for 6 years — has been very dishearting. Married twice : 21 yrs. eingle tor 3 yrs then 2nd marriage lasted 12 years. Living in a very rural midwest area is a disadvantage. I have tried 3-4 dating sites plus joined 2 local single groups. I have had 4 dates since moving 2009. I have come to the conclusion that It is karma… Guess just Meant to be alone– I am a retired professional, own my home, work part time and active— many of my lady friends say the dating scene is dead all around here—Help if any is offered. Thanks

Reply to Pegelee
1. Dennis:
  
  Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 9:50pm
  
  Are you interested in a true love serious relationship.
  Drop me a message
  dennisurbantke@yahoo.com
  
  Reply to Dennis
kipsbaygymrat:

Thursday, December 4, 2014 at 1:39pm

The headline should be rating the dating websites since there seem to only be 2 rated good for 60+.

Reply to kipsbaygymrat
1. Alice:
  
  Monday, March 16, 2015 at 11:11pm
  
  Agree with kipsbaygymrat, When I was on sites like match and eHarmony. Got contacts from some YOUNG guys in their 20′ or 30′. What was wrong. I want dating sites for seniors my age! Then I searched online for online senior dating sites and got this: onlineseniordatingsites.com. Those are sites for real seniors.
  
  Reply to Alice
  1. Sharon:
    
    Friday, August 19, 2016 at 2:19am
    
    Thanks for the information Alice. I did a search on google for senior dating sites and got the recommendation for onlineseniordatingsites.com/ as well. By reading their reviews, it saves me a lot of time choosing from many dating sites available. I am trying over70dating.org/. [Live URLS removed by editor]