If you are looking for senior dating events near you, there are several local resources that you might not have considered. This includes local organizations or groups who host or sponsor events that cater to older adults such as:
- Retirement communities
- Senior centers
- Local YMCAs
- Local Newspaper Listings
- Online communities that connect you with local in-person events
While online dating sites are one of the best places to meet prospective dates, the fact is that the majority of adults 50 or older have never used a dating site, according to Pew Research.
Which means that for those who prefer traditional dating methods, there is still plenty of opportunity in traditional offline dating methods.
How and Where to Start Dating the Traditional Way Later in Life
One way to make the dating experience more productive, enjoyable, and less stressful is by participating in local events specifically designed for senior citizens.
Senior-specific events provide comfortable, safe environments for older adults to meet new people. Even though not all the events listed below are necessarily senior dating events, they are excellent opportunities to mingle and meet new people, including potential partners.
After all, that’s how traditional dating works—you meet potential dates while going about your social life near your home and work.
Here are several local senior events resources that can open new opportunities to meet people later in life.
Senior Centers
There are nearly 10,000 senior centers in local communities according the National Council on Aging. About one million adults visit them every day.
Their purpose? To offer access to a wide range of opportunities for older adults to stay safe, healthy, and active. This includes social and recreational activities.
They go on to say that 70% of the senior center participants are women, half of whom live alone. From a dating standpoint, the odds are stacked in favor of men.
Dating aside, senior centers are an affordable way for both men and women to stay active and healthy. Ultimately this makes you more attractive as someone’s potential partner.
Retirement Communities Events
You don’t necessarily have to be a resident or guest to benefit from retirement community events. I routinely get invitations to lunches and social events from a local community.
Sure, they offer an optional tour of the facility if requested, so I get that it’s a soft pitch for new residents. Nevertheless, it’s a free opportunity to socialize and meet people.
A quick check of various local retirement communities show social calendars full of activities like walking clubs, card games, dancing, casino nights, badminton, cooking, gardening, and lunches.
Local Churches
Local churches always have a calendar full of social activities for both their congregation and their communities.
Some public activities at local churches include a St. Patrick’s Day Dance, dinners, Mardi Gras events, and retreats.
There are numerous opportunities for volunteer work including thrift shops, food pantries, homeless assistance, soup kitchens, and other community outreach programs.
Events at the Local YMCA
The local YMCA typically has a full calendar of events and activities. A check of one local YMCA showed group fitness events, swimming events, volleyball teams, pickleball, and flag football.
In metropolitan areas there could be a few YMCA’s within a short drive from home. Check the calendars at all of them to find relevant events.
Dating Events for Seniors – Listings in the Local Paper
Nearly all local newspapers have listings of local events and group activities for the coming week. These local listings are typically grouped by age, interest, and location.
Online Communities and Meetups Listings
There are also online directories that list events according to specific local areas and interests. The following online communities allow users to search and register for age and location-specific events.
Eventbrite
Eventbrite is an online events marketplace that gives event organizers and entrepreneurs a place to sell and promote a wide range of events, both free and paid. It’s free for users to sign up.
Once registered, a user can search concerts, fairs, workshops, classes, conferences, corporate events, sports events, food and drink events, hobbies, and online events.
One example is this search for “speed dating for seniors” in the New Jersey/NY metro area.
Stitch
According to Stitch, they offer “Community & companionship for anyone over 50.”
You can search your area for types of activities, travel companions, interest groups, dinners and friendship. They also have virtual events, discussions and group chats.
Users can join for free and can connect with other Stitch member in person at Stitch events and activities. A Stitch Full membership, starting at $7 a month, lets users connect with unlimited Stitch members both online and in person.
Meetup
Meetup is a community platform that lets you connect to local people with shared interests. You can also start your own group and have it promoted on the Meetup platform, which has over 60 million members.
You can search for groups by location or keywords, online or offline. For example, the screenshot below shows a search for “singles over 50” in NYC. The search instantly brought up dozens of potential events to attend.
Facebook Groups
There are Facebook groups dedicated to activities in any given city, town or region. You can also find groups devoted to special interests and hobbies.
For example, the group “What to do in New York?” with 182,000+ members, is dedicated to listing events, shows, pop-up stores, restaurants and more.
To find groups, login to your Facebook account, click the Groups icon in the left menu, then search for locations and interests.
Cruises
It’s not for everyone, but cruises can be a fun way to meet new people. And singles cruises, which throw you together with a boat load of people in search of partners, are supposed to better your odds of success.
But because it’s an expensive way to date, keep your expectations reasonable. In other words, be satisfied with going on a cruise for its own sake.
Safe Dating at Senior Events
Meeting at public events is relatively safe. Naturally, common sense should rule when meeting people for the first time. Be cautious about sharing personal information until you get to know the other person.
If you meet someone at an event and plan to go elsewhere, away from the event, let a friend or family member know your whereabouts and expected time home.
Mindset About Dating Events for Seniors
As with anything new, keep an open mind and temper your expectations. Finding love and companionship is not a one-time event, it’s a process that takes time and patience. These traditional methods are simply more tools to use in the search for a partner.
If you’re not doing any offline dating, maybe it pays to put yourself out there some more by taking the local approach.
Overall, dating events for seniors can be an enjoyable way for adults to meet new people and find love and companionship later in life.
The key is to keep at it, try new things, and have a little fun while along the way.
With an open-minded approach and a positive mindset, the senior dating experience can be enjoyable and fulfilling.
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