(Pictured: For older adults, the dating scene has opportunities and challenges.)
By Christina Healy
A record 25.9 million seniors are single and ready to mingle in America, up almost 6 million from a decade ago, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Some prefer to stay single, but enough seek companionship that marriage rates for seniors last year hit a 10-year high at 56 percent.
All these indicators, along with more seniors trying dating apps, suggest that cupid will be very busy in 2025.
While the dating scene for seniors offers opportunities, it’s not without challenges, especially for people who have been out of the game for decades.
Dating in the digital age is a good way to meet people but also potentially costly. Americans lost a record $1 billion to romance scams in 2023. Seniors were by far the most targeted age group in such fraud and should never send money to anyone they meet online.
The bedroom has gotten riskier, too, with sexually transmitted infections (STI) more than doubling among seniors between 2000 and 2022.
The cost of a date night has also increased.
With so many variables, Seniorly conducted a study analyzing 12 metrics of data across three main categories in all 50 states and D.C.: Health and well-being (overall health, mental health, life expectancy, and STI rates), family life (marital status, whether seniors live alone or with family, ratio of older women to men, and how engaged they are socially), and financial health (average date-night costs, availability of restaurants, the likelihood of falling prey to romance scams, and spending on memberships and clubs), .
Here’s some of what the study found out:
- Number of single seniors and marriage rate soar. The 25.9 million single seniors in America are the most ever – and the marriage rate of 56.3 percent is the highest in 10 years.
- South Dakota is the No. 1 state for finding love, due to its exceptionally low rate of mental distress among seniors (5 percent), high percentage of older adults in good health (82 percent), and a balanced gender ratio among older adults of 111 women for every 100 men. The rest of the top five states are, in order, Minnesota, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Hampshire.
Washington ranked 29th, supported by a strong life expectancy (11th-best), solid health outcomes (18th-best), and a decent restaurant scene (19th-best) that enhances social opportunities. The state also has a fairly balanced gender ratio and above-average recreational spending. However, the Evergreen State has high STI rates, a high frequency of romance scam victims, and expensive date nights.
- West Virginia ranked last due to its low life expectancy and poor health outcomes, among other shortcomings.
- More fish in the sea isn’t always better. The country’s four most populous states ranked in the bottom half overall: No. 30 New York, No. 34 California, No. 40 Florida, and No. 43 Texas. Pennsylvania, the fifth-largest state, ranked 23rd. This suggests that a larger population doesn’t always translate to a better dating pool.
- States with fewer single seniors tended to score better overall. The ironic twist may reflect stronger long-term relationship stability, better social support networks, and healthier folks – all factors that contribute to a higher quality of life and more favorable rankings.
- Marriage isn’t just great for romance, but also a key ingredient to a longer and happier life. Married seniors can expect to live longer than their unmarried counterparts, are less likely to be lonely, and tend to be in better health.
While some seniors have sworn off dating, the Census data shows love is in the air. And online. Dating apps aren’t just for the young and restless – older Americans are swiping right, too. In fact, according to the Pew Research Center, 13 percent of adults 65 and older are in on the digital action, and with more than 1,000 online dating platforms out there, seniors looking for love have an overwhelming number of options.
Source: seniorly.com, an online researcher of senior lifestyle trends and information on selecting senior living communities.
NOTE: this can be a sidebar, along with the Social listings from TTD
10 ways to find love
Online dating.
Swipe, chat, spark! Senior-friendly dating apps like eHarmony, OurTime, and SilverSingles can make it easy to jump back into the dating game. Start with a flirty chat, try a video call, and when you’re ready, meet up for that perfect coffee date.
Social Media and online hangouts.
Facebook groups, hobby forums, and virtual book clubs can lead to real-life romance.
Local fun and community events.
Bingo nights, dance classes, and senior socials? Yes, please! Travel groups and cruise adventures can also be full of heartwarming surprises.
Fitness and active lifestyles.
Love might await at yoga classes, walking groups, and pickleball courts. Parks and gyms are the new senior singles scene.
Giving back and volunteering.
Do good, meet good people. Volunteering at charities, hospitals, and community events naturally brings like-minded hearts together.
Senior living and retirement villages.
Home is where the heart is—literally! 55-plus communities offer activities (and chances for romance).
Travel and senior dating cruises.
Adventure + companionship = the perfect match! Cruises, road trips, and group tours set the stage for connections.
Faith and fellowship.
Church groups, Bible studies, and faith-based retreats bring singles together in soulful ways. Bonus: Dating sites such as ChristianMingle and JDate make it even easier.
Second careers and workplace love.
Encore careers and part-time gigs aren’t just for income—they’re for meeting new people, too. Co-working spaces and networking events can spark unexpected romance.
Speed dating and matchmaking.
Senior speed dating? Yes, it’s a thing. Quick chats, big laughs, and maybe even love. For a more curated match, professional services have your back.
Source: seniorly.com