Advice For Dating in a Senior Living Community

Todays older adults are living longer, healthier and more active lifestyles. For some, senior living communities are an ideal environment for finding the one. Whether youre just starting to date again or youre a veteran to the single scene, here are a few tips for finding a new partner.

Find creative ways to expand your social circle.

If youre ready to branch out and build new relationships, start looking for ways to meet new people. Start slowly by joining clubs and attending events within your own community. Join the yoga group, attend the cooking demonstration, or participate in game night.

Be open about expectations.

Do you have your sights set on true love, or are you looking for a conversation partner at meals? There are so many reasons to meet new people, so its important to make sure your interests align. If you know what type of relationship youre seeking with someone, start a conversation to see if they feel the same way. For example, if someone isnt sharing your passion for romance, be respectful of their wishes and be open to friendship instead.

Look ahead, not back, for a new relationship.

For widows and widowers, wanting a new relationship can bring mixed emotions. Dating can be a double-edged sword for those who have already found, and lost, their soulmate. Its not uncommon to feel guilt for wanting a partner and its tempting to seek out someone who reminds you of your late companion. If youre feeling uncertainty about new relationships, consider taking it slow and focusing on getting to know potential partners. Instead of trying to recreate a past relationship look for people who intrigue and inspire you in different ways.

Be candid about intimacy.

Physical relationships promote cardiovascular health, lower stress, and contribute to stronger emotional connections. Its no surprise many seniors, including those in senior living, are intimate with each other. Before starting a physical relationship, have a conversation about expectations and desires.

Compatibility is your most attractive quality.

Age is just a number and looks arent everything. Most seniors are focused on finding suitors with a lifestyle compatible to their own. Older adults interested in dating tend to be more flexible about a potential partners age or appearance and more invested in finding someone with shared interests.

Let your loved ones know your intentions, but dont let them dissuade you if they have some misgivings.

Having a support system available to give advice and look out for your best interests will make it easier and more fun to ease into dating. Listen to what your loved ones are saying and respect their advice, especially when it comes to safety and privacy, but be aware that some adult children will not be immediately accepting of a widowed parent reentering the dating scene. They may need time to adjust to the idea. You dont have to rule out dating because a loved one isnt entirely accepting of the idea, though. Instead, be prepared to talk about why you want to date and how you plan to do it safely. When introducing new partners or describing new relationships, take a subtle approach at first and share with your loved ones about how your new partner makes you happy.
Golden West Senior Living Community provides lots of activities, events, and opportunities for seniors to meet new friends and potential partners in a safe and fun social setting. With daily events and activities to participate in, a lovely garden path for romantic strolls and a rooftop terrace for a lunch date anyone looking for a special someone will find lots of fun things to do together. Learn more about life at Golden West Senior Living at gwboulder.org.