Dating over 60 Facts & Statistics
- Two-thirds of adults between the ages of 50-64 use the Internet (Burst! Media, 2006).
- In their quest for love and companionship, computer users aged 55+, accounted for 16.7% of all traffic to on-line personal sites (Internet research firm, Nielsen/NetRatings, 2006).
- The 50+ segment is the fastest growing group of subscribers for on-line dating (Lehman Brothers Equity Research, February 2007).
- Women and men 50+ are using on-line dating and relationship websites because the stigma of an on-line personal ad is fading, and their adult children are leading them to on-line dating (AARP, December 2005).
- Seventy-four percent of the 10 million Internet users have pursued their romantic interests on-line (Pew Internet and American Life Project March 2006).
- Thirty-one percent of American adults - 63 million people - say they know someone who's used a dating website (Pew Internet and American Life Project March 2006).
- Twenty-six percent of American adults - 53 million people - say they know someone who's gone on a date with a person they met on a dating website (Pew Internet and American Life Project March 2006).
- Fifteen percent of American adults - 30 million people - say they know someone who's been in a long-term relationship or married to someone she or he met on-line (Pew Internet and American Life Project March 2006).
- Singles spent $550 million in 2004 on on-line dating sites; $469.5 million in the U.S. Revenue is expected to grow to $1 billion by 2008 (Jupiter Research, 2004).
- The average on-line romance seeker belongs to three sites and spends an average of $239 per year for on-line subscriptions (Jupiter Research, 2004).
Ask Dr. Schwartz
Q:
Hi! I'm a 52-year-old woman. About four days ago, I was contacted by a 60-year-old male. Should I suggest we go out for coffee? Or, should I wait for him to make the first move? I don't want to appear too forward. I've never done this before, so I'm very hesitant. I'm sure he would suggest it since he hasn't stopped emailing me, right?
A:
The rules have changed. These days, it's just as good for a woman to suggest taking the next step as it is for a man. In fact, some men prefer it because they don't want a woman to feel pressured.
Emailing is great. However, if it goes on too long without a cup of coffee being proposed, one or both people may feel this isn't going to lead anywhere and they may disconnect. Here's your approach. Show him you are interested and you'd like to take the next step to meet somewhere for about half an hour. This won't scare him, unless: (1) he is really worried about online relationships and hasn't quite figured out how to make it real yet; or (2) he is a lot different than he says he is, which means you don't want to know him anyway!
Once you have had the first meeting, it's ok for either of you to suggest a second one. The only thing to watch is to make sure you are getting happy, interested vibes from him. If he is still acting hesitant about setting anything up, or expressing interest in you, then let him make the next move. People have different comfort levels about how to move forward. Once you've shown your interest, you need to wait for encouraging words and actions from him.
Welcome to this brave new Internet world! I am delighted you are here! It is a great place for people in their 50's, 60's and beyond. You may be meeting your true love right now. But, if he isn't the one, there are others. Don't get worried if he turns out to be nice, but not the guy you want. Once you get used to the new methods of getting to know someone online, it will all feel comfortable. There is no problem being forward and honest in your feelings. In fact, it will make it more likely you will meet someone special in your life.
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