When it comes to dating, it can be challenging no matter what your age.

But for women in the Sixty and Me community, dating can be accompanied by frustrating stereotypes, making it even more of a challenge.

Getting involved in the dating scene in your 50s and 60s can feel intimidating. But we also know how important finding love is for living a rich and full life. To help us navigate the sometimes-rocky waters of the dating scene and better understand the reality of dating over 50, we’re joined today by professional dating coach, Lisa Copeland.

Lisa works specifically with women over 50 and is here to share some things that might ease our minds about getting back into dating over 50.

Let’s watch!

Dating Over 50 is About Choice and Fun!

Lisa reminds us that dating at any age should be fun – but that dating over 50 can be the most fun of all!

People in their 20s and 30s are often looking for someone to settle down and mate with. But for those of us in our 50s and beyond, dating is more about having choices and having fun.

As older women in the dating world, we’re able to have more of a say in the role a man plays in our lives. Dating doesn’t have to be about looking for a husband. It could mean looking for a friend, a partner, a lover – or it could be about looking for a husband!

Dating after 50 means having the freedom to make choices that best suit you and your needs!

Assumptions about Men Wanting Younger Women

Many women make the incorrect assumption that all men want a younger woman. This is just not true!

Men look at all women – younger, older and everywhere in between. Lisa reminds us that this is why having a fabulous photo on your online dating profile is so important.

A man might say that he only dates younger women, but with a fantastic profile photo, you might just draw him in regardless of his age parameters.

Furthermore, if you become interested in a man in his 60s but he’ll only consider dating 35-year-olds, you might want to think about why you would want a man like that anyways.

Men Need Love, Too

A major misconception that many women have is that we’re the only ones who really want to find a relationship – and the only ones struggling with feeling confident about finding it as well.

This is completely false. Men battle with the same feelings of self-doubt as women – they aren’t always as confident as they come off.

In fact, Lisa believes that many men yearn for intimate relationships even more than women do. This may be because women form strong emotional connections with the friends and family in their lives, whereas most men only form deep emotional connections with their significant other.

Something that Lisa says women may notice when dating is men who engage in “future talk.” This involves a man calling you “honey” or “babe” before they’ve even met you.

Lisa explains that, essentially, it’s a way for a man to try you on for size and see how it would feel to be intimate with you.

Date Younger!

Many times, as women in our 50s and 60s we’re surprised when a younger man shows interest in us. Our gut-instinct is to think, “What’s wrong with him?”

We have to stop ourselves from thinking like this!

Lots of younger men are interested in dating older women. They tend to think that older women are lower-maintenance, which they find appealing.

In reality, younger men are likely attracted to the fact that as older women, we’re more established, more accomplished. We know how to have a real conversation about real issues… and that can lead to a real connection!

Not to mention, that for women looking for an active sexual partner, Lisa says that younger guys are a great option!

Sexuality and Dating Over 50

Speaking of sexual partners, another surprising aspect of dating over 50 is the sexual dysfunction that exists – with both men and women.

Women often view men as these overly sexual beings who remain virile forever. This is not always the case. Many men suffer from sexual dysfunction as they age. And it can be a tricky area to navigate since men’s egos are so closely tied to their sexual ability.

On the other hand, some men actually become better lovers with age – thanks largely to the multitude of medications available for those who need a little help in this department.

Either way, sexuality is something that is always an important aspect of dating, with dating over 50 being no exception.

Don’t Get Stuck

As women of an older age, we can have a tendency to get stuck in our ways. It can be easy to approach dating with the same mindset that we did in our 20s.

Lisa encourages us to be open to all the choices that come with dating over 50. We can be part of the entire redefinition of dating rules in this age group!

Dating over 50 is a time to have fun and meet new and interesting men. And the greatest part of it is that they don’t have to fit perfectly into narrowly defined categories in our lives!

Above All Else, Love Yourself

Lisa explains that when we’re young women, we all tend to have this desire for men to like us. It leads to giving up a certain amount of our power and losing our truest selves to the opposite sex.

As women in our 50s and 60s, it’s so important to remind ourselves of the amazing women that we’ve become and put a focus back on self-love. We no longer need a man’s approval, and that can be an incredibly attractive quality to possess!

Lisa reminds us to let our inner beauty show and always love ourselves first. She also encourages us to visit her website findaqualityman.com, to explore all the wonderful possibilities that are out there!

Which of these facts surprised you the most? Do you think there are other facts that aren’t commonly known about over 50 dating? What have you found surprising about dating after 50? Please join the conversation!