Dating Apps Can Help Older Adults Meet — No Time Machine Necessary

A Pew study estimated that from 2013 to 2015, the number of users aged 55 to 64 years old who dated online increased from 6 percent to 12 percent, reports National Public Radio . This explosion has led to dating apps with a minimum age requirement. Websites such as OurTime, Stitch, SeniorMatch, and SeniorPeopleMeet all require users to be a certain age — typically 50 or 55 — to sign up. Many of these sites and apps concentrate on companionship, helping users find romantic partners, pen pals, friendships, and communities. A 2016 study from the Journal of Women and Aging found women older than 50 frequently reported unwanted sexual messages online, and they often characterized a lack of responses as a reason they would consider themselves unsuccessful online. The study also determined participants like being able to vet potential dates' personalities via messages and emails first before arranging to get together. Participants said this gave them a sense of safety while dating online, thanks to the ability to control the pace of the dialogue and have the opportunity to build a level of comfort with matches before deciding to meet.