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.
But prior to that, 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, 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.
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.
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
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
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 below in the comments.
And if you like this article, share it with your single friends who are searching for places where you can meet singles over 60!
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