Dating Tips for the over 40's and 50's crowd

It's important to remember that opportunities for love and fulfilment occur at every age.

If you haven't already noticed, online dating is the most popular and easy way to meet people of your own age and interests.

Dating is tough, but it’s tougher for men and women who are divorced or widowed. Along with the fears of being “out of practice,” there can often be a loss of confidence and doubt over whether you're attractive enough to the opposite sex.

Dating advice for middle aged men & women

If you've recently separated, divorced or lost your husband or wife, it's recommended that you wait at least a year before dating.  Allow yourself time to grieve the loss of your loved one or relationship.

Moving on too quickly can cause you and the person you're dating pain.  It's far more positive to focus on rebuilding your life, your self-esteem and your relationships.

When you get to the point of wanting a new partner rather than needing one, you're probably in the right place to start looking.

If you're dating men or women of your own age or younger, many of them will already have children at home or grown up and left home.  The good news is that on the whole, sorting out problems with a potential partners children can be easier as they get older. 

Still, being careful to spend time together before meeting her or his kids is probably advisable - whatever age the kids are there is likely to be some jealousy and resentment.

Tips for dating older women

There's a certain allure and mystery about the idea of dating an older woman.   The film "Mrs Robinson" caused a stir at the time it was released because it exposed the taboo on younger men and older women.   You might discover just such a social taboo when you go out and about and socialise.

Strangely, society doesn't have a problem with older men and much younger women - just look at Catherine Zeta Jones and Michael Douglas!

Advice on dating an older man

Older men can be more rewarding to date, be more sure of themselves and be more confident in how they treat the woman in their lives.

If you're considering online dating, considering widening your choice of ages for possible matches and see what happens.  Why shouldn't the perfect guy be 5, 10 or 15 years older than you are?

Older men can not only be more mature, they can be wiser and more financially stable too.  On the whole they've ceased moving from job to job and are on an established career path.

• Online Dating Sites
  Review of online dating & personals sites for the over fifties.