You’ve heard it all before. Sixty is the new fifty and fifty
the new forty. It’s no news. Looking young may be one thing, but
feeling and acting it is an entirely different issue. There’s no
denying that the frenetic pace that work and society demands can
add undue pressures on a person, but ever wonder how it can affect
your dating life?
The Prime Pool
However, the difficulty for boomers re-entering the dating scene is that it’s a totally different playing field than the one to which they are accustomed. Part of the reason is that marriage is not the top priority for many singles in the fifty plus category, many of whom have lived through divorce and experienced parenthood. Add to this longer life expectancies, padded savings accounts and technology, and it’s no wonder people’s habits are shifting.
Expectations are on the rise
That quick cup of coffee does not seem to cut it anymore, at least for candidates who are trying to connect without compromise. Observes single-living lifestyle expert, Sherri Langburt: “Singles in the fifty plus set are more active and vibrant than ever before and are seeking companions who share that sense of adventure and spirit.”
How to enhance your prospects
All is fair in love and war but how can you maximize your dating
efforts and returns, in a time when age is just a number? Here are
5 age-defying tips that will help you improve your dating life:
Take a Cue From Celebrities: First comes marriage,
and at 60 comes fatherhood. It’s easy to pass judgment on
celebrities but it’s those famous folks, like Michael Douglas, who
have paved the way for the rest of us in proving that new
beginnings are possible for everyone. Remember if you move forward
with faith (and good planning), love can happen at any age.
Learn How to Break Boundaries: Women dating
younger; men allowing themselves to be courted. These are just a
couple of ways which demonstrate how far we have come. If you want
to take control of your love life, do away with the rule book on
which you were raised and keep an open mind and willing heart.
Do What Feels Good to You: Self-awareness is one
of the greatest benefits that comes with maturity, and with that
comes the knowledge of your likes and dislikes. Relationships
surely require compromise, but it’s important to be true to what
satisfies you. So if going to the opera or hitting the gym is what
you like to do, then keep doing it! Leading a more fulfilled life
will result in a happier you and open the possibility of meeting a
like-minded mate.
Embrace New Channels: One in three unmarried
boomers are trying to hook up through online personals and dating
sites because they can meet people with similar interests,
according to a recent study by the Leger Marketing survey. So if
you've tried everything, including continuing education
courses, volunteering, professional networking groups and social
clubs, yet haven’t had much luck, then it’s time to go online to
expand your search. Internet dating services may seem scary at
first but matchmaking sites can open up a whole new world of
opportunity for lovelorn singles.
Plan Properly: Now even though we all have our
own, or know of standard go-to date spots, some people may want
something more exciting than a cup of coffee, so try to get to know
your audience. You should choose a place/activity that is conducive
to talking - - save the movies, loud bars or concerts for later.
Wine, cheese, piano or museum bars are all great choices. If dinner
is an option, try to select a casual and comfortable place, where
you can enjoy small bites such as Spanish Tapas or Greek Mezzes.
And don't be too fast to rule out the day-date. A long walk in
a scenic setting followed by lunch at an outdoor cafe can seal the
deal for your second date!
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