When I re-entered the dating scene, I began thinking about places where you could meet singles. Of course, online dating was the first thing that came to mind and the first thing suggested to me. Fortunately for me, that’s where I met my partner, Daisy.
Don’t Overlook Online Dating Sites
Along with in-person activities like the ones listed below, Daisy and I advise spending time on the online dating sites. That’s where you’ll find many people just like you, looking for love, your soulmate, romance, companionship, friendship and just fun dating.
Here are some of the sites we recommend. They’ve all been around a long time, have millions of members and have successfully brought many people together:
eHarmony (our readers’ favorite dating site)
Not sure online dating sites are for you? Read more about them in Top 10 Best Online Dating Sites for Over 60: How To Choose and Use Them.
Before I hit the online dating sites, I was making a list of many other potential places to meet women over fifty. I owe that to my background in marketing in which you never rely on one method or one media to find your customers.
You start with a profile of your ideal customer—for dating purposes, my ideal partner—and then find out where they are. Finally, you use every avenue available to reach them.
Before we get to the list of places to meet singles of the opposite sex, there’s one other thing to consider.
An article on after55.com says men and women tend to hang out in different places.
What the Women Over 50 are Doing:
- Doing arts and crafts
- Dancing
- Taking educational classes (languages, etc.)
- Participating in book clubs
- Going on shopping trips
- Playing bingo
- Gardening and flower-arranging
What the Men Over 50 Are doing:
- Going on trips to sporting events
- Playing billiards and ping pong
- Golfing and fishing
So men, try to switch things up a bit and do some of the things that women like to do. According to the list above, they’re already doing a bit more than we are!
Always follow your own interests. Don’t try to meet a woman at church if you don’t attend. You’ll come across as insincere.
It’s also more difficult to find compatible people when you’re searching among people whose interests aren’t at least partly aligned with yours.
44 Places Where You Can Meet Singles Over 60
With that in mind, here’s a list of 44 activities, groups for over 60’s and other social events, (apart from online dating,) to expand your social horizon and increase your chances of finding true love. Be adventurous and have fun!
1. Meetups
As the name implies, you simply get together in person with people who share a common interest. Meetup.com is one site that facilitates that.
For instance, here are two meetups for singles over 60.
Singles Over 60 Meetup and Singles 60 & Over Meetup
Check out the Related Topics (red arrow) to find even more groups pertaining to singles over sixty or any other interest. Use meetup.com to search meetups in something you love. In moderately populated areas, it should be fairly easy to find lots of singles get-togethers near your home.
Additionally, you can start your own Meetup group to gather like-minded people for hobbies and other activities, aside from dating.
2. Do Volunteer Work
There is no shortage of places to volunteer wherever you live and whatever your interests. Check out local libraries, SCORE, churches, the PTA, and so on.
3. Take an extended trip
This is pure adventure. Travel somewhere you’ve always wanted to go. Take the “blue highways” and be open to whatever comes your way.
4. Find a travel group for mature singles
There are plenty of travel groups for mature singles. You can find groups based on travel destination, sports, cultural activities, and educational trips. Pick one that appeals to you.
5. Go Dancing
Do a Google search for places to dance near you. You’ll find good dance venues at night clubs, restaurants, dance clubs, and special events.
Dances, if you’re so inclined, are a fun way to find singles get-togethers near you.
6. Take a Dance Class
If you don’t know how to dance, take a class. You’ll learn, you’ll get some exercise, and you’ll meet interesting people.
7. Join a garden club
8. Join an arts and crafts club
9. Clubs for almost anything else
What do you like? What are your hobbies? You can probably find a club near you.
10. Go on Cruises
There are singles cruises available that cater to various age groups. Take an extended cruise around the world or a river cruise on the European rivers.
11. Spas
They’re for men too, these days.
12. Play Golf
13. Play Tennis
14. Go horseback riding
15. Become an umpire or referee
16. Join the local senior center
A local senior center might even have a singles group or singles activities near you.
17. Take fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, or strength training
18. Churches
There are plenty of social activities at all churches, for all ages.
19. Attend a school or college
Take a college class in a field that interests you. Learn a new technology, computers, language. You name it, you can learn about it. It’s common to see quite a few seniors in any given college course, especially at your local community college.
20. Car, Boat, or Airshows
These can be huge events with lots of social activities. If you’re into cars, boats, or planes, you’ll meet tons of like-minded people.
21. Museums and Art Galleries
For instance, I just checked the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Event Calendar. Today they had 9 events and 15 more listed for the coming weekend.
22. Theaters
23. Bookstores
Bookstores have author signings and other special events that are good opportunities to mingle.
24. Concerts
25. Big venue sporting events are places where you can meet singles
You can certainly meet a LOT of people with similar interests at your favorite sporting event, if sports happens to be your interest.
26. Work
If you’re retired, consider a part time job. Just make sure it’s a job you’re going to love. And remember, there can be consequences to having a relationship at work. Policy might even prohibit it. Proceed with caution.
27. Have parties in your home
Ask your friends to invite people they know that you don’t.
28. Move to a retirement community
These places usually have full time activity directors who create more events than you would ever want to attend. They’re happening places!
29. Go shopping
Shopping malls often have events that cater to mature singles and other special interests. But you don’t need a special event to go shopping. Just go!
30. Supermarkets
Yes, an article in the Wall Street Journal even claims that the hottest social scene in town isn’t the singles bar, it’s the supermarket. OK, I’m a bit dubious but I wouldn’t rule it out. Whole Foods even had a singles night at some stores. Be sure to use common sense, due diligence (don’t hit on married folks,) and a touch of caution.
31. Start a blog
Your lifetime of experience from work, hobbies, and other interests, is valuable to more people than you might realize. Start a blog and you’ll meet people online. Promote it locally and you’ll meet people near you.
32. Check the local papers for weekly events and singles get-togethers near you
Start going to them. Even very small towns have lots of activities and you might see something new of interest, close to home.
33. Bars
Not my favorite place to meet people. Your chances of meeting someone with an addiction are certainly higher in drinking establishments. Yet if you don’t have a problem with alcohol, and you’re people-picker is in good shape, it’s a good social scene.
34. Bowling
Join a league and get active.
35. Join the YMCA
You’ll get fit and perhaps find the love of your life. The Y offers an incredible array of scheduled group activities.
36. Join professional organizations
Even if you’re retired, professional organizations might turn to you for the wisdom of your years. Plus they have lots of social events, often in great locations.
37. Teach or Coach
You have a lifetime of valuable experience. Local community colleges and other organizations are always looking for teachers, coaches, and mentors. If you need extra credits to qualify, then do that first.
38. Join a theater group
Being part of a theater production is a fantastic way to get to know people in your community. Nor do you have to act. Theater groups need help behind the scenes with lighting, sound, production, makeup, scenery, carpentry, electrical, and more.
39. Join or start a book club
Meet in your home or find an available room at the local library, church, or community center.
40. Attend a seminar
There are countless seminars available every day, everywhere. You can do a Google search or use the search features on National Seminars Training or Seminar Information Service.
41. Start a business
If you open a local brick-and-mortar store, you’ll definitely meet people. But don’t start a business just to meet a woman. Trust me, it’s a LOT of work to start a business! It’s easier to participate as a vendor in flea markets, farmers markets, and other similar commercial events. Make it more of a side gig than a full-fledged business.
42. Trade shows and Conventions
They’re huge social events. If you have an interest in the theme of the show, you’ll enjoy yourself and get an opportunity to meet someone.
43. Facebook community events
Check out the local events listed on Facebook. There are typically dozens of special interest groups that run local events with fan pages on Facebook.
44. Weddings, Reunions, Family Picnics
Thankfully these don’t happen that often. But instead of dismissing them, plan to attend to see who you can meet. Go with that intention and you’ll have a different experience.
Now you can’t say you don’t know what to do. No more excuses.
If we missed anything, please feel free to share where you can meet other seniors nearby, below in the comments.
Check out this related article on how to find senior events near you.
Plus, we talk more in this article about how to find social events and groups for over 60’s near you.
And if you like this article, share it with your single friends who are searching for places where you can meet singles over 60!
Note: We are affiliates for some dating sites mentioned here. We may receive a small commission when you register with them or make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the price you pay.
Would love to meet likewise people
Yes I live in Dana point California
Looking for serious courtiship.
Hey Rob if you are still hoping to meet someone. Would be happy to connect. I am a lady of African Descent. Single. In my mid 40’s.. Live in Canada.
Hi. I lived in 3 Arch Bay in Laguna for a long time. Not sure why this is here but I’m replying! I heard about the fire and the shooting in Laguna Woods. Terrible. My wife and best friend passed away last your and finally looking for another partner in life. I am a Professional business person who spent 36 years with IBM. I’m now 75 but live and feel much younger. You can find me in. Facebook. Say hi to CA for me.
We wish you the best in your search, Fred! Thanks for reading and commenting.
Hello,
So sorry to hear of the passing of your wife, Have you found any friends as yet
My name s Marg from Canada. Please email me for more information,
Hi Fred, Sorry for your loss. Would love to connect. I would love to meet someone so I have someone to do things with. I am 68 but look and feel younger. Take care of myself.
Hello Fred, I highly respect your decision to look for another relationship.
Im Liz Minvielle a Poetic Promotional Marketer via Google’s Search Engine. I’m sorry about your losses. I, too am Widowed and would enjoy spending quality time with a smart and clever man, which you are , especially after your lengthy time at IBM.
I’m a girl and I’d rather golf or fish.
Thanks for reading Linda! Yes, wherever your hobbies take you is a great place to meet people. And it probably ups the odds that you’re compatible.
Me too Linda.. lets tee it up. I live in Ohio, lots of nice golf courses.
I like playing golf or fishing and am looking for a golf partner.Where are you located
Rick Lebherz
Yes … this an old post I like to golf hike cook dance fix old furniture
Hey! I like to fish. Any chance we could do that together. I am kind of girlie girl. Won’t bait or remove fish.! Lol
I was on two different dating sites, I received a lot of likes. When I sent messages I didn’t get any replies. I let a guy call me and on the first call he wanted me to do sexting. I told him I didn’t do that, he said its not hard to do. I don’t count him. I was shocked that was even asked of me. Plus the men didn’t even read what I wrote. They just looked at my profile picture. And the people who sent me their recommendations, most of them didn’t even match what I was looking for. So they didn’t read it either. What a waste of money the dating sites are. At least for me.
Thanks for commenting, Linda.
I’m not surprised by your experiences with online dating. I had the same kinds of things happen. But there are plenty of good guys on the dating sites. You need to sift through the clunkers to find the good guys. Read through people’s profiles and reach out to them yourself. Don’t wait for them to contact you, or for the sites to send recommendations to you. (Their recommendations are often way off.)
This post I wrote should help: 10 Do’s and Don’ts If You’re New to Online Dating — https://www.smartdatingover60.com/10-dos-donts-youre-new-online-dating/
Best,
Daisy
Hi Linda, I’m a little late to the game here. I to have been trying to navigate the scams and for a lack of a better word the crap that goes with dating sites. I don’t trust them at all.
I hope we can visit and find out some information about each other.
Curious
Joe
I feel the same exact way, I have been on the dating apps for several months and the men seem to feel the women on the sites are only looking for sex. That’s all they seek to be interested in. You are right they don’t seem to read your profile message. I feel the ones asking to talk only with Whatup app or computer chatting are either married or it’s a scam . What’s the difference chatting through the online dating app or chatting using computer you are still texting not exchanging numbers where you could actually hear the other persons voice and know that you are actually taking to a person .
I have never used a dating site. Would love to meet someone for companionship and exploring most anything. I am a senior, retired after years in both the military and business community. Am in good health, have a sound education, and financial security. Divorced for many years, three grown children with families.
I live in Gainesville VA outside of Wash DC.
Thanks for commenting and sharing a bit about yourself, John. Although we’re not a dating site (we offer mature dating advice and tips), maybe you’ll get some responses here and connect with someone.
Meantime, think about trying online dating if you haven’t already. Here’s a post of mine that should help:
10 Do’s and Don’ts If You’re New to Online Dating — https://www.smartdatingover60.com/10-dos-donts-youre-new-online-dating/
All the best with dating,
Daisy
Hello John would love to know more avout you from. let me know if you are still looking. Thanks
John have you got someone?Am ready for you
Hi my name is Ted getting out of a40 year relaitionship would like to meet someone just to talk to your information was very helpful any feedback back would be helpful tried dating got flooded with profiles thank you
Best of luck in your search for the right partner, Ted! Patience, persistence and a smart dating game plan will lead you to them. Take some time to look through the other how-to articles here on our blog.
I’m now single after 40 don’t have the slightest idea about dating would love to meet a nice girl just to hang out and talk go to do things maybe just watch a sunset or walk in the woods or the beach I’m lonely that’s one thing I miss we used to have great conversations but life goes on thanks daisy
Thanks for your 2 comments, Ted. Maybe someone reading this post will reach out here and connect with you. Good luck with dating! Best, Daisy
Hi Ted I’m Lynn. I live in Florida and we have great sunsets not so much woods. Im a senior. Retired 5 years and divorce 6 years
Thanks for joining the conversation, Lynn.
I am black female over 60 looking to meet others for travel on other things to do
Hi Carol. I hope people will see your comment here and reach out to you.
Hi Carol, stumbled upon this site and your post only today and it appears as if we may have a few things in common. Not even sure what state you live in. For starters I’m also black and my name is Carol and in my 60s. I thought that was interesting and I’m also looking to connect with others with similar interest in traveling etc. Just want to point out that I am not gay nor am I looking for any such relationship. Not sure if you still have that interest in connecting with others for travel etc. Please contact me if you still have that interest. Thank you. Have a blessed day.
Carol
I am a single 70+ female who looks a lot younger than my years. Looking for a nice clean cut single 70+ male who has a nice smile and a great sense of humor. Would love to meet the man for the next chapter of my life.
Maryann, I hope you get responses to your comment from men looking for someone just like you. Good luck! Daisy
I’m an old guy who lives in old England. I tried Match last year and had some initial success with a Lithuanian woman who lives about 60 miles away. We had 2 dates in London and one at her place on the coast, then it petered out. Covid didn’t help. Your suggestions look very good, but I think at my my age, it all looks a bit like hard work and time consuming. Plus I’d have to try and be nice and that doesn’t come easy. Same with dating sites and they cost money. Think I’ll stick to the local downtown sports bar, but not many women in there. Maybe I’ve had my last tango. Still, you never know your luck.
Mal, thank you for sharing your story. We always like to hear from our readers. Sorry to hear you’re having such a difficult time with dating. Unfortunately, it IS hard work. I know from personal experience and about 2 years devoted to purposeful dating. But it all paid off for me, when I met Cosmo on Match. I’ve likened dating to job search, because there are so many similarities, and both can feel like full time jobs.
Although dating sites do cost money, they typically have the largest pool of people who are actively dating. Here is a roundup of some of our articles on online dating that should help — https://www.smartdatingover60.com/best-advice-for-mature-dating-with-online-dating-sites/.
Otherwise, see if some of the other suggestions in the article above work for you. Best of luck with dating!
Thanks for sharing a bit of your story, Mal. Yes, as Daisy says, it’s a bit of work, but the payoff is WELL worth it! And you’re never too old for one more tango. Keep at it. Maybe work on one thing at a time so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Heck, just take one evening a week away from the sports bar to work on meeting someone. Your fellows at the bar aren’t going anywhere.
Hello I am a widow over 70 years. Chinese origin. Would to meet a friend / partner. Thankyou
Thanks for sharing this
Hope you found it useful, Felicia! Thanks for reading.
Where do you live Felicia?
I wish I could be more hopeful. I guess I don’t necessarily fit the profile of what so many men in my age range (65+) are looking for. I hardly know any more. I always thought I had alot to offer (a good education, a successful career/now semi-retired, well-read, fashionable dresser, good health, great conversationalist, and loyalty to mention a few). But in the end, with the way the dating apps are set up it seems to be all so superficially focused on looks alone, and as a petite brunette, I suppose I can’t compete with tall leggy blondes, many of whom I know personally who get multitudes of dating offers with so few other attributes. So if I can just get past having to hire a professional photographer, a fashion/makeup consultant, a ghost writer to polish my profile, the cost of the dating apps, the patience to wait years and years, and the expectation to get a .01% return on investment, then I suppose you could say I’m remaining optimistic. So many wonderful quality women in my age range have all but given up. It’s mentally, physically, financially and emotionally exhausting. The thought of being alone in my golden years is awful, and if that’s the case, I pray God takes me early. Perhaps others will have more luck than me.
Marlene,
I can appreciate the way you feel. In my mid-60s I was back in the dating game again, after losing my partner of only a few years and thinking I was finally done with dating. I very much wanted someone in my life and, after taking some time to grieve the loss, I pushed myself back out there, and endured many unpleasant dates. What worked for me on the dating sites (and which led me to find Cosmo) was being very proactive. I didn’t sit back and wait for men to reach out to me. Past experience had taught me that that was not a good strategy.
My advice to you, if you’re not already doing this: Spend some time each day perusing the profiles of potential dates. If they look interesting and you see no red flags, reach out to them and exchange a few emails or texts, and then a few phone calls. Then decide if you want to actually meet them in person.
In my experience, men seem less apt to reach out to women. Maybe they have a harder time with rejection than we do. I often had men tell me that they were flattered that I reached out to them initially.
If you sit by passively waiting for potential dates to get in touch with you, you may wait a long time. Take control and don’t be afraid to get in touch with people. You can always put the brakes on things, if you want to.
If you really want to find someone, be persistent. You’ll get there. Also, be aware of burn out. When that happens, take time away from dating and come back in re-energized.
I hope this helps and all the best with dating!
I was glad to read your advise as it hit me personally. I was afraid to reach out to men, was waiting for them to contact me. I decided to answer some of their ads……nothing has happened yet, but i will keep looking. Also like your suggestion….try several different sites. Maybe I am too impatient, I want things to happen, as I lost my husband a year ago and I miss male companionship. I have had several younger men interested in me…however I believe they are only interested in having sex.
Thanks for commenting, Nancy. I’m glad my advice is helpful.
More specifically, what worked well for me in reaching out to men on dating sites was to keep an eye out for new members and contact them quickly, if they seemed to have potential. This is how it worked for me with Cosmo. He had just signed up for the site, I noticed that he was new, and I emailed him fast. My thinking was that, if someone had recently joined, they wouldn’t have time to become jaded by online dating, as long time members can be. See if this strategy works for you, too.
Hi Marlene,
I found your post intelligent and intriguing and love your sense of humor.
Where do you live Marlene?
I got married when I was 22, but now I’m turning 66 in february, and still married to the same gal with us talking divorce now. I’ve got a Windermere person coming over in two days to give us feedback on what to sell our house for. Listening to Marlene talk about the focus on looks. At my age I was hoping most people were beyond that now. Having someone in my bed that looks forward to holding my hand, and cuddle with would sure be nice. Rather then hearing someone climb into my bed at 12, or one to quickly pull herself to the opposite side of my king size bed away from me. Reading about dating on this site sounds depressing to a guy that was hoping for more than what I’ve been putting up with for most of my life. Bought a dutch shepherd five years ago when I retired, because of being lonely, and trying to fill that void. My dog is very loyal, and very protective of me, but what I wouldn’t give for a women to look at me like my dog does..
Dan,
Lucky for you (but unfortunate for women in our age group and beyond) there are fewer eligible men in the dating pool, which puts you at an advantage. Give dating a try, and keep at it. Be willing to have bad dates, because unless you’re very lucky, you probably will. But you’ll have other dates that may not go any further than one date, but will be pleasant and worthwhile.
Think of dating as spending a little time with someone new. If things don’t work out, that’s fine. You’ve learned a little something about others. You’ll also learn plenty about yourself, if you pay attention. And you’ll learn more and more with each date about what kind of woman is right for you. That’s invaluable.
All the best to you!
Hi Dan .Reading your story makes me feel sad .I hope you find that someone special. Your dog sounds lovely
Hearing sad stories like that make me glad I never married. My parents had a bad marriage as Dad cheated and my first job was working for divorce lawyers. I’m still working part time at 70 and just treated myself to a Mustang convertible! It would be nice to have a compatible companion who cared as much as my 4-legged ones. I live in Vancouver, B.C.
Carol, thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself. It’s true. There are a lot of sad marriage and relationship stories. But there are also great successes. For me, that didn’t happen until my mid-60’s, when I met Cosmo. I hope you find a worthy companion to share the happy life you have with your four-legged friends.
Married 48 years hard worker great father, lover and husband. passed away over a year ago. We had each other our children and grandchildren live in other States and areas. We went to over 70 concerts loved music, dancing, boating the lake and the ocean spent all our time together. I’m lonely and would enjoy having a male friend to spend time with.
Sorry to hear about your loss, Janet. As you get back into dating, and with a bit of patient persistence, I’m sure you will find the right partner. I hope the articles on our site are helpful!
Hiyas Dan , I’m lonely to turning 60 in a few months, and I’m a widow 15 years now ! Worked in healthcare. Now want to get out and live a little! Jane .
Hey Dan, I’m assuming you live somewhere in America. I’m in Australia and 63 . I’m looking for someone too. I feel much younger than my age. I have to keep reminding myself that I am in my sixties now. I’m writing this while camping at the beach with my son and his partner. It would be so nice to share this with someone.
Hope you’re having a great trip, Patricia. Thank you for commenting!
Great choice of car Carol! I love mine! For now, she’s my only gal! 🙂
[img]https://i.imgur.com/SYvyO6Y.jpg[/img]
Nice to see the various comments here about online dating. I am a widowed 70 y.o. woman. I tried Silver Singles. It was pretty awful. Contacts varied very little, ranging from did I want to be a “friend with benefits” to being told how “well everything works” because he takes Flomax and Viagra. My dating search area was within a 50 mile radius, and the site kept telling me to “expand my search”. I live in west central Florida. So much to see and do here, travel, concerts, sports teams to follow, just don’t want to do it alone. And, you are right, Daisy. At this age, the percentage of available women vs men is very disproportionate. I live in an over 55+ community, attend functions, have volunteered in the area. Wasn’t expecting to spend some of the best years of my life alone, but it doesn’t appear to be very promising.
Hi Vicky, I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having trouble meeting the right kind of men. I can certainly relate. I had a lot of men like the ones you mentioned reach out to me. My advice, if you’re not already doing this: Be proactive. Spend time searching through dating profiles and reach out to men yourself. Don’t wait around for Mr. Right to find you. Best of luck in your search! Daisy
I recently retired and just turned 66 a few days ago. I’m in the middle of entering my information in Silver Singles. Haven’t finished yet, but was bombarded with emails containing similar inferences. It makes me skeptical when I see these type of responses. But after reading through your comment, it’s nice to know there are women out there that are searching for the same thing. I also agree with Daisy’s comment.
Thanks for your comment, Tony. And yes, there are indeed decent men and women out there who are looking for the same things. As Daisy mentioned, it pays to be proactive in your search. Reach out to women who seem to be good matches and start communicating. It’s unfortunate there are so many spammy messages, but with a little patience, you’ll soon learn to quickly spot and delete them. Congrats on your retirement and best of luck in your search!
Hello all. I am happily divorced, as of 3 years ago. I occasionally become lonely, despite having a great deal of interests and working full time. I have tried dating sites, and they are not for me. I am mostly happy, but when I see an older couple walking hand in hand at the supermarket, it kinda gets to me. I’m 60 and in Michigan. If I am to spend the rest of my life without a romantic partner, that’s ok, but I’d rather be with someone in my autumn years. Good luck to everyone!
Mo, thanks for weighing in with your story. I can relate to being happily divorced. Although my divorce itself was difficult, it was a great relief to have him out of my life. And I can relate to being happy living alone. After my divorce, I spent about 5 years recuperating and healing, and enjoying the single life, before I started dating. I hope that however things work out for you — you stay single or you find a romantic partner — your life continues to be fulfilling and you remain happy.
My name is Blake I’m from Missouri, and I seem to be struggling to meet with older women, I’m im 22, What am I doing wrong
This list has help a bit if anyone has any advice or anything it would help greatly.
Thanks for your comment, Blake!
Hard to say what the problem is without details…there are quite a few factors that lead to good dates.
My suggestion is look around our blog. This article on age differences might help.
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