Finding Love After 60 – Advice from the Sixty and Me Community
Finding love after 60 is a major topic of discussion and curiosity for women in the Sixty and Me community – and with good reason. Many women over 60 are embarking on a new stage of life with different relationship statuses than were common in our parents’ era. Some women are recently divorced. Others became widows or simply chose to never marry in the first place.
The popular franchise The Bachelor is airing its first-ever Golden Bachelor with contestants aged between 60 and 75. This goes to show how dating over 60 is trending! Watch the trailer to meet the women participating to win the 71-year-old bachelor’s heart. Will you be watching the show?
This leaves many women wondering whether it is worth re-entering the dating world and looking for the best way to go about finding love after 60.
When I asked women in our Sixty and Me community: Can we be loved again? Is finding love after 60 possible? The feedback was always enlightening.
- Finding Love after 60 Starts with Loving Yourself
- Trust Is an Essential Ingredient of Love – Now More than Ever
- Women Over 60 Value their Independence
- Love Has New Meaning for Women Over 60
- Love Can be “Found” – or it Finds You
- Practice a Virtual Flirt with Men from Your Past
- Attend a Meetup and Share Your Passions
- Men Struggle to Find Love after 60 Too
- What Do Men Over 60 Really Want?
- Why It’s Important to Make a Man Your Hero
- Despite the Challenges, Women Over 60 Haven’t Given up on Love
Here are a few of the main points on the minds of women who are grappling with the challenges and opportunities of finding love after 60:
Finding Love after 60 Starts with Loving Yourself
Many women in their 60s have been hurt, divorced, or widowed. Going through the dissolution of a marriage or a disappointing romantic relationship can often feel intensely painful. Many women over 60 are learning how to re-engage with their sense of self-worth and self-love.
Read 5 SELF-LOVE TIPS TO AGEING WITH CONFIDENCE AND JOY.
Some women said that they could not imagine being loved again. Others shared that they had tried dating, but none of their relationships had worked out. So they have started focusing on their own interests, activities, and families, regardless of whether they can find “the right man.”
Trust Is an Essential Ingredient of Love – Now More than Ever
Many women our age are having a hard time trusting men – whether due to a painful divorce or a series of disappointing dating experiences. Many women over 60 find that their sense of confidence is broken and feel disillusioned by men and marriage.
Read 4 WAYS TO REGAIN TRUST WITH MEN AND START DATING AGAIN AFTER 60.
A few women mentioned that many men our age are emotionally damaged, and others find that they no longer trust men’s motives. Others said that the longer you are single, the harder it becomes to fall in love. You get set in your ways and are no longer willing to make yourself vulnerable in the ways that dating requires, or be open to a new serious romantic relationship.
See also: Want To Finally Succeed At Dating Over 60? Make This One Attitude Shift
Women Over 60 Value their Independence
Many women our age might have had marriages where the man was “in charge” and where we might have felt we were making our own interests and needs subservient to his. Some women commented that they aren’t even looking, because they don’t want to have to take care of a man and would rather just take care of themselves.
Other women said that even though they realize that they do not “need” a man to make them happy, they would like to find someone to share their lives with.
Read DATING AFTER 60: FINDING A BALANCE BETWEEN INTIMACY AND INDEPENDENCE.
Love Has New Meaning for Women Over 60
One challenge of dating over 60 is that the whole concept of romantic relationships has a different meaning at this stage of life. When the traditional roles have gone away, women over 60 are looking for different things in a man than we might have wanted when we were in our 20s, 30s, or 40s.
Most women our age are interested in finding a man who shares mutual interests, common dreams, and a common worldview. We want to be appreciated and have someone with whom to share adventures and laughter.
We are no longer looking for a relationship with the goal of having children and building a “home” together. Dating over 60 is often more about having fun and finding a partnership of equals. This can be positive or negative depending on what you want from a relationship.
Some women enjoy the fun of meeting new people and going on casual dates, while others might find casual dating to be lonely or disappointing.
Read AM I READY TO DATE AGAIN? 10 QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU DECIDE.
Some women might distrust the motives of men who have been divorced multiple times, or who seem needy or inattentive. There are definitely many good men out there, and hopefully, women over 60 can get what they need out of their dating relationships. The foundation is trust, healthy relationship boundaries and habits, and mutual respect.
Read DATING TIPS FOR MATURE WOMEN: 7 SIGNS HE’S BAD FOR YOU (AND 7 HE’S GOT IT BAD FOR YOU!)
Love Can be “Found” – or It Finds You
According to our Sixty and Me community, there are many places for women to find love after 60. Many women have had success with online dating if they approach it with a positive attitude. Not sure where to start? See our Top 5 Best Dating Sites For Seniors.
Other women have met good men at church or in community organizations, or just while out walking in the park. Another option is to simply go to the places you love and do the things you love to do. Any man who shares your interests is likely to be frequenting the same places.
Another idea that is gaining in popularity is to hire a dating coach. If you are willing to invest some time and money in personal sessions with a dating coach, you might find better matches faster. At the same time, you can learn a lot about yourself, your preferences, and your life goals along the way.
Read DATING OVER 60: *HOT!* ADVICE FROM 2 DATING COACHES (ONE MALE, ONE FEMALE) YOU NEED TO KNOW!
And 5 THINGS TO LOOK FOR IN A SENIOR DATING COACH OR AGENCY.
Practice a Virtual Flirt with Men from Your Past
Social media has opened wonderful doors for connection, so don’t be afraid to look up a single high school friend and even consider attending your next reunion or class event. Use LinkedIn or Facebook to casually say hi to interesting men you’ve met at events. You will find out soon enough if they are married or committed, so for now, just be friendly and see what happens.
Let single girlfriends know that you are actively looking for a relationship – maybe they know someone who is perfect for you!
Attend a Meetup and Share Your Passions
Many cities have an organization called Meetup. You can join groups for everything you can possibly imagine including hiking, art, photography, travel, or dining out. They also have events for men and women our age and can be a great opportunity to meet new people, whether you are looking for love or not.
Men Struggle to Find Love after 60 Too
Often the conversation about dating over 60 focuses on the idea that women are at an inherent disadvantage with too many eligible women our age chasing too few good men. While this is true, men our age are often struggling with the same types of worries, doubts, and negative feelings that women might have.
Before your first date, try to understand the psychology of an older man – he is also probably feeling a bit nervous, hesitant, and afraid of rejection. So start a conversation, flirt a little, laugh a lot, and be feminine and fun.
Don’t feel like you have to control the whole date, drive conversation, or make all the plans – try to help him feel competent and comfortable. Dating should not be a power struggle! Be spontaneous and go with the flow.
When I interviewed David Wygant, he pointed out that men want to feel appreciated too. They want to feel desirable and honored. They want to feel you recognize they have something valuable to offer, whether it’s conversation, companionship, or shared interests.
Enjoy each other’s company and try to find something to admire about every man you meet. Even if it’s not a “love connection,” take the attitude that there are plenty of fish in the sea. Here’s my interview with David.
What Do Men Over 60 Really Want?
It’s time to set the record straight. Here’s the deal. Most men do want to be in a relationship with women closer to their age. This is because they share a common history with each other. Most men do try out younger women because they feel appreciated by them, something they don’t always feel from women their own age.
You see, men want to be your hero. It’s literally in their DNA coding to keep you safe, protected, and provided for. They want to make you happy and will do anything within their power to make that happen for you.
See also: What Do Single Men Over 60 Really Want? This Dating Coach’s Advice Will Surprise You!
Why It’s Important to Make a Man Your Hero
Making a man your hero is the secret to getting his cooperation easily. These two phrases will bring out the hero response in a man. They work very well when you need him to do something for you.
Phrase #1 is “I need your help…” then ask for what you need.
Phrase #2 is “Could you do me a favor…” then ask for what you need.
When I’ve used these phrases, I’ve had men tell me they love helping a woman who needs their help. Try it. It will make a huge difference with the men in your life.
Despite the Challenges, Women Over 60 Haven’t Given up on Love
Perhaps the most encouraging sign from our Sixty and Me community is that the vast majority of women over 60 seem to be optimistic about the prospect for love in their lives. This can take the form of a marriage, a committed relationship, or just walking down the street holding hands with someone special.
Love can be part of your life at any age. Hopefully, we all can be brave, confident, and open to possibilities, and willing to take a chance on letting love into our hearts once more.
Read more articles about dating as women over 50:
THE PROS AND CONS OF DATING AS A BOOMER WOMAN.
SENIOR DATING TIPS: WHY YOU SHOULDN’T GIVE UP UNTIL THE 6TH DATE.
LOVE AFTER 50: CAN REJECTION BE A BLESSING IN DISGUISE?
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What are your feelings on finding love after 60? Is it possible? Is it too hard? Are there any aspects of dating over 60 that you’ve found to be surprisingly fun and enjoyable? Please leave a comment below.
I’ve given up. I work and commute. I tried dating a couple years ago. Terrible
I am male over 65 and have a hard time meeting women. Older women are more secure and mature individuals and don’t seem overly interested in finding anyone. Maybe I am not trying hard enough or need to try a different approach. I am waiting for the woman when I should be making the moves. Maybe I need some testosterone booster because I want a woman but am afraid of rejection. I need to try the I Want this or I want that instead of waiting for it. Life is getting shorter and my patience is shorter too. I want a woman friend, lover, companion but need a shove in her direction. It just seems so damn hard with confidence after being single so long.
Hi Buck where do you live
I was just going to ask the same thing. I have a friend in NJ who is in her 60’s and single and would love to be able to find a man. She’s tried the dating sites over and over again without any success.
Honesty is the most important thing. Duping someone into thinking they are a hero is silly outdated and Misogynistic. It disrespects and homogenises all men as having dominance needs and frail egos
It may be, and I agree, but men our age have learned it and we can’t get it out of their brains. It’s part of the culture of our generation. It’s important to my latest fella to be a hero in the sense that he loves cooking for me, helping me with projects and he loves when I take his arm when walking. Makes him feel powerful and important… so I let him. He enhances my life enough that I’m willing to give here and there for a relationship. To me, that’s the point.
Diane, women like you are *exactly* why I (and so many other men) have completely given up on American women. Enjoy your life as a strong, independent woman … alone.
Yes
Am 62 years old healthy and in good shape for my body I don’t drink neither do I smoke…loved in an abusive mariage for 32 years can’t bear it any longer..have fobia for men now
Had BN in an abusive mariage for 32 years o mean
Joys how could you put up with that stuff for so long, I can’t understand these situations.
So sorry to hear that, Joys. Hope you heal and find someone to love and honor you.
Not all of us men are bad you know, and there are many of us good single ones still left.
There are some real jerks out there Joys and you deserve better. We all do and don’t stop looking or believing because it’s not your fault you married a jerk. You should be happy and me too, we all need happiness. Just because one relationship was bad don’t let it make you stop looking around. Most men are good, kind, loving people once you get to know them or most people are. I think only 1% of people are assh&$#+! . Have faith and it might happen one day.
In the over 60 dating pool over 80% are dysfunctional and have never unpacked their package. Stay vigilant!
Correction- unpacked their baggage.
I think some men get a bad rap. I thought that I had a good marriage and of course there were some problems. But after a devastating loss, my wife told me I was the cause of all her unhappiness. I take the blame, but I also think that it was so unfair to place all the blame on me. Because I always and continue to deeply love my wife, I have accepted all blame for her life, rather than have her find more pain by looking into herself. I am so lonely and no longer loved. So just understand that life is way more complicated and there are always 3 sides to all stories
LOL!
I would say most are assh&$#+!.
Joys: That would be sad to feel towards men now, you done the hardest part, move on and make contact with me , so that we both can move on and enjoy life, you wouldn’t regret it Promise
I am 61 years old . I have good body for my age . I do not smoke I do not drink never drugs . I failure on all my relationships on my life . I am separated for 3 years and in divorce process for almost one year . I have my family my friends my church . But I felt a bigger hole on my life. I am a life survivor and I always I push myself for positive attitude abs optimistic . However on the love side I am in horrible. I have hope to find I pray to find . But I have anxiety I have fear to be leave again . I need help but I do not how can I get . I started therapy but it did not work .
Don’t give up Rose. Just try harder. I am 65 male in good physical shape and single too. Don’t drink or drugs and am trying pool leagues to meet someone. I have my eye on a lady my age but her ex boyfriend shoots pool league there too and don’t feel comfortable getting involved but we flirt some. I am hoping to meet her and want to ask for a date but lack confidence. I need a companion at my age too cause it’s so lonely after years of being single. I want to travel and do things with a friend . Hope you find somebody soon Rose.
Where do you live Buck?
NY
Buck…ignore the ex and ask her out!!! Just do it!! Tell her you think she’s pretty and smart and you’d like to take her out to dinner….and have some fun..and smile!! Let me know how it turns out..you got this!!
Lisa.
Too bad that the women today are nothing at all like the past which then many of us single guys would’ve been married by now.