Keeping the romance alive: 4 tips for dating after 60

Anyone who loves a senior understands the importance of being informed on senior issues, and so do we. Milestone Magazine posts are meant to help seniors and their families as they learn and transition together through the physical and emotional changes brought on by aging.

As hearts, flowers, and brightly wrapped candies make their way into grocery stores across the country, we’re reminded that Valentine’s Day is almost here! Luckily, Valentine’s Day, dating and romance are for everyone, not just teens to 30-somethings. Here are 4 tips for dating after 60:

1) Break up with your excuses
A lot of seniors make excuses like “I’m too old for that,” or “Now isn’t the right time.” Dating after 60 has become a part of mainstream society and, if you’re single and looking to make a potential romantic connection, or just meet more people, it’s a perfect time to start.

2) Why so serious?
One of the best things about dating over 60 is that you get to set your own expectations for what you want out of the experience. The  goal of dating in your 20s and 30s might have been to meet someone, get married, and start a family, but the dating expectation for a lot of seniors is more relaxed. Looking for some more members of your book club? Or for someone who has also been dying to try that new brunch spot in town? After 60, there are generally less “expectations” about dating should look like, or what your expectations should be.

3) Honesty is the best policy
When it comes to dating, some things do not change with age: honesty is, and always will be, the best policy. If you’re dating multiple people, be sure to tell all of them. If you’re just looking to meet new people or aren’t interested in starting anything serious….yep, you guessed it, be honest about that too. And, if you’ve recently started dating again, be sure to tell your family. (It could be just as much of an adjustment for them as it is you!)

4) Have confidence in yourself
If you’re starting to date again after years of being single, after a divorce, or after the loss of a spouse, meeting new people can, and probably will be, full of social and emotional pitfalls. Don’t let your own insecurities or the occasional dating fluke let you down. Learn how to leave your uncertainties behind and have confidence in yourself!  

For more information on how to stay physically and emotionally engaged after retirement, visit blog.milestoneretirement.com.