Online dating appeals to older folks, too
NEW YORK - Susan Gladstone’s moment came when she turned 50. Divorced, with two children, she was getting tired of asking friends to fix her up and being told they just couldn’t think of anyone. And so, she turned to online dating.
Two and a half years and dozens of dates later, Gladstone, an event planner in Miami, hasn’t yet found her perfect soul mate. But she’s had lots of enjoyable dinner dates, met fascinating people from around the globe, and to her delight has made a number of lasting friendships.
Gladstone is part of a growing trend: people in their 50s and beyond searching the Internet for romance, companionship, sometimes marriage. As in any age group, there are ups and downs. There’s the old stalephoto trick (it’s him, but 20 years and 30 pounds ago), or the date who asks right away how much money you have, or the ones who say how fabulous you are and then disappear. Still, many older online daters say that even if they haven’t found true love – yet – it’s been
worthwhile.
“I had minor back surgery recently,” Gladstone says, “and I got about a half-dozen e-mails from men I’d met online, checking up on how I was! Even if I never meet my partner, I’ll be happy for the wonderful friends I’ve made.”
The main reason more mature singles are going online for love is simple: more widespread access to the Internet, hence more familiarity with online dating. And dating sites are catering to older members. Yahoo Personals, for example, has an advice column for users over 50, with tips – on everything from etiquette to sexual health – for those whose romantic radar may be a tad rusty.
(MSNBC.com, March 15, 2006)
