Dating In Your 60s

Written byErica Garza
Published 01/27/2025

Dating among older adults has received a lot of attention lately, with help from shows like The Golden Bachelor and MILF Manor. But, if you’ve been out of the game for a while, dating in your 60s can feel overwhelming.

Overview

Dating In Your 60s

Dating among older adults has received a lot of attention lately, with help from shows like The Golden Bachelor and MILF Manor. But, if you’ve been out of the game for a while, dating in your 60s can feel overwhelming.

You may be asking yourself:

  • Am I too old to find love?

  • Do I have to learn how to use a dating app?

  • Will I be laughed at for dating a younger partner?

In this guide, we’ll share some of the unique benefits of dating as an older man, as well as some potential challenges, and a few tips to help you find success.

Am I Too Old to Find Love?

You’re never too old to find love. Just ask Mick Jagger, who had his eighth kid at 72 with his 29-year-old partner.

Though you might not be a legendary rockstar (or interested in having children into your seventies), Jagger’s story is a shining example of not letting age hold you back. After all, the desire for love and companionship doesn’t fade with age .

If you’ve been through a divorce or the death of a spouse, you might be wondering if you deserve a second chance at love. Of course, the answer is yes. You might even marry again. According to data from the United States Census Bureau, among men and women 60 to 69 years old, nearly a quarter had married twice.

The Basics

Why Dating At 60 Is Good For You

Here’s an added incentive to put yourself out there: finding love supports your mental and physical wellness. Research shows that a lack of companionship is linked to a higher risk of having a heart condition in older adults, likely due, in part, to loneliness.

According to the National Institute on Aging, about 28 percent of adults over age 65 in the United States live alone, and some of them feel lonely despite being surrounded by family and friends.

Other health conditions linked to loneliness include:

Why You’re a Good Catch At Age 60

Dating in your 60s has some undeniable benefits. With decades of life experience, you probably have a pretty good idea of what you want and don’t want. You may be feeling a new sense of freedom, too: you’re likely no longer in the thick of raising kids, and the grind of reaching for the next career milestone has probably abated. 

Here are some benefits of dating as a 60-year-old man:

  • More life experience. At 60, you may feel like you have more freedom and self-assurance from decades of life experience.

  • Deeper connections. Many find that dating at this age allows for deeper connections. You may be more likely to value authenticity, companionship, and shared interests over superficial qualities.

  • Less pressure. Unlike earlier stages of life, where dating may have been driven by the desire to build a family, dating in your 60s is often about finding companionship, joy, and connection with someone who shares similar values. 

A fresh start. A new relationship offers a fresh start, which can be invigorating. If you’ve been single for a while after a marriage or long-term relationship, this can be a time to rediscover love without the baggage that can come with a shared history.

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Things to Consider

Things to Consider When Dating Over 60

Dating can be intimidating at any age, but dating as a senior may come with unique challenges, such as health concerns related to growing older, grief associated with having lost a spouse, and unfamiliarity with the modern dating scene.

Here are some things to consider as a single man in your 60s:

  • You’ll need to embrace new tech

  • It can be harder to meet people

  • You may need to navigate exes, kids, and other complexities

You’ll Need to Embrace New Tech

In today’s dating world, dating apps reign supreme. If you’re unwilling to learn how to use them, your dating pool will feel much smaller than it is.

Sure, it’s a learning curve to get to know the lingo and navigate new etiquette, but it’s also one of the most convenient ways to date. Dating apps help you narrow your search by location, age range, interests, and more.

According to a Pew Research Center study, about 14 percent of adults in their 60s have used a dating app, including Tinder, eHarmony, and Match, to look for serious and casual relationships alike.

It Can Be Harder to Meet People

Our social circles tend to get smaller as we age. This can make it difficult to meet people through mutual friends. But there are many ways to meet new people without the help of technology. Besides dating apps, some ways to expand your social circle and meet potential partners include:

  • Joining local clubs or Meetup groups aligned with your interests

  • Taking a class to learn a new skill or language

  • Working with a matchmaker

  • Residing in a senior living community

  • Attending local events

Exes, Kids, and Other Complexities

Having passed through many stages of life, you may be entering a new relationship after a marriage or long-term partnership. Maybe you’re divorced, or a widower. Maybe you have grown kids or grandkids. Reconciling the past with the present can be complex and emotional, especially if your exes or children have strong feelings about your dating life.

The best thing to do is be honest and upfront about these complexities with a new partner. If you’re dating someone around the same age, you can expect they might be navigating their own complex histories.

Steps to Take

Dating After 60: Steps to Take

When you’re ready to dive in, do so with confidence. Remind yourself of your accomplishments and attributes and what you have to offer a partner. Don’t get stuck in the trap of wishing you were younger or otherwise trying to be someone you’re not (which applies to dating at any age).

While there are no rules for how to date as an older adult, we recommend the following:

  • Know what type of relationship you want

  • Pursue partners online and offline

  • Reconnect with people from your past

  • Don’t dwell on rejection

Know What Type of Relationship You Want

If you’ve come out of a long relationship and are not ready for another one, be honest about it early so you don’t mislead your dates. There’s nothing wrong with pursuing casual relationships.

It can be helpful to make a list of the qualities you’re looking for in a partner—and naming the qualities you don’t want can be just as illuminating.

Pursue Partners Online and Offline

Don’t have an online dating profile yet? They’re easy to set up. First, choose flattering pics (think: good lighting, no exes) and spend some time crafting a bio that highlights your positive qualities and clearly states what you’re seeking.

Also, spend some time figuring out which site is right for you. We mentioned some of the usual suspects above — Tinder, eHarmony, and Match — but there are many more than that. Some sites, like SilverSingles, OurTime, and SeniorMatch, are specifically geared towards an older crowd. If you’re heterosexual and like the idea of the woman making the first move, try Bumble, the dating app that requires women to send the first message.

Reconnect With People From Your Past

Are you finding yourself dwelling on what-ifs or missed connections from the past? Consider reaching out to an old flame or even an old friend to see if there’s any chemistry. Maybe your social circle has contracted over the years and you’re looking to explore paths not taken—and even if you don’t find the old spark rekindles, you might discover or strengthen a friendship. 

Don’t Dwell on Rejection

Not every first date will lead to a second, and that’s perfectly okay. Rejection can feel extra difficult after a long-term relationship or marriage, but it comes with the territory. Each rejection is an opportunity to pivot in another direction, hopefully toward the person (or people) who will be a better fit for you.

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Tips and Strategies

Be Open-Minded

Some of the best senior dating advice we can give is to be open-minded. At 60, you likely have a preferred way of doing things, but don’t be so rigid that you don’t give new experiences—or types of people—a chance.

For instance, if you staunchly reject dating apps in favor of meeting people the ways you’re more used to, you may be limiting yourself. By being open to new ways of meeting people, you have a better chance of, well, meeting people.

Improve Your Self-Confidence

Could your confidence use a boost? Some lifestyle changes you can make to improve your self-esteem include the following:

  • Take up a new sport or join a gym:  even doing minimal resistance training improves muscle tone and self-confidence

  • Focus on eating a clean diet and cutting back on alcohol

  • Give up smoking

  • Consider hair loss medications

  • Take a class or learn a new skill to keep your brain sharp

  • If you’re interested in losing weight but finding it challenging, consider weight loss medication

  • Make a list of all the qualities you have to offer in a relationship

  • Take up a meditation practice

  • See a mental health professional if you’re dealing with anxiety or low self-esteem

Address Sexual Function Issues

Research shows that a man in his 60s has a 60 percent chance of having erectile dysfunction (ED), a sexual dysfunction that prevents you from getting or maintaining an erection long enough for satisfying sex. This is often attributed to vascular issues within the penis, which impede proper blood flow.

ED isn’t the only sexual dysfunction affecting older men. Other studies suggest that premature ejaculation can co-occur with erectile dysfunction, especially among men aged 45 to 65.

Another common issue among older adults is low libido, which can be the result of low testosterone. Similar to menopause in women, andropause describes age-related hormonal changes that occur in men as they grow older, resulting in symptoms like loss of sexual desire, ED, depression, and fatigue.

If you’re experiencing sexual function issues, solutions are available. Schedule a consultation today to learn what your options are.

For erectile dysfunction, treatments include:

  • Prescription medication. ED medications include Viagra® (sildenafil), Cialis® (tadalafil), Stendra® (avanafil), Levitra® (vardenafil), and chewable ED mints.

  • Therapy. Sex therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy are popular types of treatment for psychogenic ED.

  • Devices and implants. Vacuum devices and penile implants may help in cases where prescription ED medication does not work.

  • Non-prescription products. Penis rings can help maintain blood within the penile tissues during sex if your erections aren’t as hard as they used to be.

  • Lifestyle changes. Some lifestyle changes that may help improve ED include eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and managing stress.

For premature ejaculation, treatments include:

  • Prescription medication. While there’s no FDA-approved medication for premature ejaculation, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed off-label to help prolong sex at the discretion of a healthcare provider.

  • Over-the-counter products. Delay wipes are products that contain a topical anesthetic to reduce penile sensitivity for longer-lasting sex. There are also climax control condoms lubricated with topical anesthetics (on the inside of the condom) that work the same way.

  • Sexual techniques. There are many techniques you can use during sex to delay climax, including the squeeze technique and edging. Explore more techniques on how to control ejaculation.

For low libido, treatments include:

  • Testosterone replacement therapy. If the source of your low libido is low testosterone, TRT may help relieve this and other symptoms.

  • Clomiphene. This prescription medication can be prescribed off label for the treatment of low testosterone at the discretion of a healthcare provider, as can the compound’s stereoisomer, enclomiphene.

  • Lifestyle changes. Managing your stress, changing your diet, and getting enough sleep are just a few healthy lifestyle changes that may improve your libido. If you still need more support, consider talking to a mental health professional.

Don’t Be Afraid of an Age Difference

If you find yourself wanting to date a younger partner, you’re not alone. Studies show that heterosexual women of all ages prefer slightly older male partners.

Men, both hetero- and homosexual, on the other hand, largely prefer younger partners. Heterosexual men, regardless of age, gravitate towards women as young as their mid-20s. Similarly, homosexual and bisexual men tend to seek out younger partners.

While you may be afraid of what people will say if you date someone many years younger than you, you should know that your choice isn’t an unusual one. However, don’t be afraid to broaden your age range either. As we said before, keeping an open mind during the dating process can not only give you a wider array of potential partners, it can also lead to pleasant surprises.

Health and Safety

Protect Your Sexual Health

If you’re dating someone your own age, you probably aren’t worried about an accidental pregnancy. However, using condoms is still an important way to protect yourself against sexually transmitted infections.

Along with using condoms consistently, you should get screened for STIs regularly and ask that your partners do the same.

Know When You’re Being Scammed

If a new match presents you with an exciting opportunity to grow your wealth on a new Crypto site, run. Romance scams,  in which scammers create fake profiles to build a person’s trust online before stealing their money or personal information, are on the rise. Be cautious about sharing personal information on your dating profile or with new matches, no matter how hot they are.

Be Open About Health Conditions

The older you get, the more health issues are likely to crop up. Be open about your conditions with partners so you don’t feel like you’re hiding an important aspect of your life, or putting your health at risk by putting yourself in situations for which your body isn’t equipped. This is especially true if you have symptoms or regimens that might affect your time together.

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What to Do Next

Dating In Your 60s: Next Steps

Dating in your 60s can be daunting, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve put yourself on the market, but it’s worth facing down your nerves to find the relationship you’re looking for. Work with a dating coach or relationship expert if you’re having trouble connecting, and reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re experiencing a sexual dysfunction.

Here are some takeaways to send you on your way:

  • There are many benefits to dating after 60. With decades of life experience, you have a lot to offer a new partner and probably have a clearer idea of what you want and who you are. Having a companion at an older age also has many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease.

  • There can be challenges, too. The dating scene has changed, and you may have to change with it. Learn how to navigate dating sites, be open to new experiences, and be ready to divulge health issues if you have them.

  • Rebuild confidence by getting the support you need. If you’re experiencing ED, premature ejaculation, or low libido, contact a healthcare provider to find out what solutions are available to you.

If you need more tips on dating in your 60s, check out these senior sex tips, read this guide to looking younger, and learn how to get and stay hard at 65+.

View all of our sexual health products here.

8 Sources

  1. Antfolk JA, et al. (2017). Age Limits. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10367477/
  2. Crowdis MA, et al. (2023). Premature Ejaculation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546701/
  3. Ferrini MO, et al. (2017). Aging related erectile dysfunction—potential mechanism to halt or delay its onset. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313305/
  4. National Institute on Aging. (2019). Social isolation, loneliness in older people pose health risks. https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/social-isolation-loneliness-older-people-pose-health-risks
  5. Pew Research Center. (2023). Dating at 50 and up: Older Americans’ experiences with online dating. https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2023/07/17/dating-at-50-and-up-older-americans-experiences-with-online-dating
  6. Singh PA, et al. (2013). Andropause: Current concepts. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4046605
  7. Sorkin DA, et al. (2002). Loneliness, lack of emotional support, lack of companionship, and the likelihood of having a heart condition in an elderly sample. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12434940/
  8. United States Census Bureau. (2021). Marriage, Divorce, Widowhood Remain Prevalent Among Older Populations. https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/love-and-loss-among-older-adults.html
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