Are you a baby boomer or senior interested in finding someone to date and feeling left out of popular dating apps like Tinder?
While Tinder lumps seniors together in a generic 50+ category, the apps on our list welcome and embrace seniors in their quest for companionship, dating, and love!
The 6 Best Senior Dating Sites
1. OkCupid
OkCupid doesn’t mind that your quirky or that you want a primarily free site. One of the most diverse dating platforms, its app is more straightforward to navigate than the website. Don’t be deterred if you’re looking for a more old-fashion type of connection.
OkCupid can match you with an activity partner, date, or someone for a hot and heavy love affair! Seniors enjoy the OkCupid app as its free, the dating pool is large enough to have fun, and there might be plenty of users your age (mainly if you live in a more metropolitan area or city).
Make sure to clarify what you’re looking for as, according to many online polls, seniors are feeling frisky. Especially if you’re in search of a lasting connection, you’ll want to find someone on the same page.
2. Bumble
Bumble has changed some of its features. For instance, if you’re new to the app or a returning user, you’ll now be asked if you smoke, how often you drink, your level of education, zodiac sign, fitness level, etc.
Considering that Bumble’s algorithm tends to match based on commonality, your answers might filter you toward matches with the same habits or background. Bumble has also differentiated itself from Tinder, as it now lets people match up to age 80. However, if you’re 80 plus, you’ll have to skim some years off your age or consider another app.
So, why Bumble?
For users less than 80, it’s nice to use an app where women message matches first (in same-sex matches, either user can message first, but replies still only have 24 hours). Women enjoy filtering matches and being empowered, while men enjoy taking a backseat and hearing from women who like them. Bumble is primarily free, but there are paid options and features.
3. OurTime
OurTime is a website and app dedicated to helping seniors date. Why isn’t it number one on our list? First, many people sign up for OurTime and then let their accounts lapse or don’t become paid users. As it is a paid site, it can be frustrating if you message users who don’t write back.
Also, OurTime has a high percentage of scammers and catfish. Catfish and scammers have always targeted older adults who they have the funds to make their trickery worthwhile. The reviews for OurTime usually discuss the trouble with catfish and scammers, but this doesn’t mean that people don’t also use it to find activity partners or romance.
If you want to try app dating, it can be comforting to use an app which caters to older adults exclusively!
Also, OurTime is one of the rare exceptions in the dating world, as it offers phone support: 833-223-8873.
The app itself is fun and easy to use. However, beware if anyone wants to take your relationship off the dating platform before you meet.
4. Stitch
Stitch’s goal is to be the Tinder of senior dating. Does it succeed? Stitch tries to be the hookup site for the 50plus generation, where users are alerted if they are a “stitch” or match before connecting. Stitch is considered more of a fast match, dare we say, “hook-up” site for older adults.
This means you should use care if you want something more serious. Many users report having been catfished, scammed, or hacked. Don’t exchange phone numbers or email addresses until you meet in person and beware of anyone who comes on too strong or tries to get you to leave the site. That is the red flag of a scammer.
5. Match
Ask your senior friends that date and most of them will have tried Match.com at some point. A tried and true favorite for seniors, Match works if you’re less focused on scanning multiple users for looks alone (if you prefer to look based swiping apps, consider Bumble or even Our Time – which has many seniors). Similar to eHarmony, you might not find as many users in your area, but Match.com is still one of the most trusted dating sites for seniors and has superior customer service, should you have a problem.
If you are diligent and willing to pay for membership, it’s highly likely you’ll get some good dates out of the site! Don’t get involved with users outside the country, as they’re probably scammers or catfish!
6. eHarmony
eHarmony has had its share of controversy. It was initially marketed as a place to find a lasting relationship that would lead to marriage, but signup was long and arduous. As dating platforms have moved toward faster app style “swiping,” eHarmony has as well.
eHarmony is quick, easy, and might attract a higher caliber of users if you do not want a one-night stand. Like Match, you might find fewer users on the paid site and find more time and focus is spent on messaging before the meeting. Check messages frequently, read their help section, and look for local matches in your geographic area.
Have a favorite dating app that didn’t make our list?
Tell us in the comments! If you’ve had success finding an online love or even if you’ve had one disaster after another, consider Social Catfish before you get close to someone again. It can be reassuring to confirm identity and uncover the truth about a potential date.