Since mobile phones were introduced to the play and almost everyone got access to the Internet in one way or another, it put paid to any misconceptions about this arena being more popular with a younger clientele. People from every age bracket are keen on keeping up to date with lovers or friends online. Further figures reveal the growing popularity of online dating, especially among the older generation. There are many reasons why mature people are drawn to digital matchmaking, as well as social media.

Specialized dating services to help seniors find a partner

Since the first commercial matchmaking website was launched in the mid-1990s, online dating has evolved into a multi-billion dollar industry, with thousands of websites now catering to millions of members. One of the factors attracting singles to these outlets is the diversity of subject matter. As well as generic sites offering a range of services, there are niche resources for a more specialized customer base

This degree of flexibility attracts huge numbers of senior singles who appreciate they can reboot their love lives within the space of a few keyboard taps or mouse clicks to the specialized online dating services. There are cougar dating sites taking advantage of the desire many older females have to connect with younger guys. But it works both ways. Sometimes, it is all in the name, such as the case with meetmilfy which not only helps older ladies to have pleasant online dating experiences, it introduces prospective partners from the opposite end of that dynamic to the equation – young guys who have grown bored with immature girls their age and secretly lust after experienced, married females with kids. Those platforms, though, are also aimed at people who have reached middle-age and aren’t interested in dating anyone younger at all and would much rather mix with like-minded individuals from their demographic. It is done by tweaking their search results to show only men and women from the exact age range with a tweak of a button. And, since according to statistics, the number of active Internet users across the globe amounts to around 4.6 billion, with 3.9 billion regularly accessing social media and dating platforms, so there’s no surprise that the Internet is the best place to find a mate, no matter your age.

For anyone who has already been through the ups and downs of long-term relationships, marriages that have failed, or suffered a bereavement, signing up to one of these outlets provides a relaxing way of rekindling their social lives. One of the main benefits for mature people is that becoming a member is all about taking control of their destiny. Once they’ve set up an account, it’s up to them how regularly they engage with other site users. Some are content to balance their online presence with their ‘offline’ activities, whereas other go all out to connect with singles who might prove to be most compatible. 

Online communication with relatives

For older members of society, especially during the recent lockdowns, social media has provided a valuable lifeline. Platforms like Facebook have allowed people to touch base with friends, family, and partners, sharing items of communal interest, and maintaining a sense of community. This medium is so useful for strengthening social ties, but it has also given out useful information. Professional institutions, government bodies, and medical advisors have increasingly taken to social media to disseminate information. In the UK, those who read newspapers have dropped by over 50% over the past decade, but people are switching to the online dimension to keep abreast of the latest hot topics.

With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other resources to tap into, it’s also important for users of these sites or their app versions to be aware of the risks. Another aspect of the pandemic is that there has been an increase in fraudulent activities, with unscrupulous individuals signing up to social media platforms or dating sites using fake profiles. On their part, these digital resources are constantly seeking to keep their users abreast of ways of keeping safe when using social media.

Find some entertainment

As well as allowing site users to chat to friends, flirt with potential partners, or dip into news sources, social media has been terrific for the mental wellbeing of mature people. An incredible range of games is easily downloadable to desktops or hand-held devices. Whether you favor blasting aliens, or more cerebral pursuits like chess, scrabble, or testing your general knowledge with trivia quizzes, these can be a pleasant diversion to more mundane computer tasks.

A lot of these suggestions can be enjoyed as a solitary pursuit or while collaborating with friends. Recent social distancing has seen a rise in people keeping in touch remotely, either for work commitments or for ‘Zoom parties.’

Another online service extremely popular with older users is YouTube, giving access to unlimited video content, allowing people to watch clips from movies they’ve always loved, or listen to music that holds a place in their heart.

The virtual dimension has become a key platform for individuals to connect these days, either to conduct business or for socializing. Having access to everything from online shopping to the personal profiles of singles seeking dates has made transactions and communication so convenient. Upwards of one-third of today’s romantic relationships are instigated via dating sites, and this is a total that is only likely to increase.

Cameron Francis is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of ETRAFFIC, Melbourne's #1 Creative Agency and Digital Marketing Company. He is passionate about helping businesses of all sizes improve their online visibility.

Exit mobile version