dating over 50 ,its not all over..Apparently lol.

the watchman

Over 55s are most active daters, study finds

People approaching or already past retirement age are the most active and experimental of all daters, according to a study for The Sunday Telegraph.



By Ben Leach
Published: 5:01PM GMT 16 Nov 2009


The survey found that almost two-thirds of men and women over 55 have joined an dating website (62 per cent), compared to just over one fifth (21 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds Photo: GETTY


More over 55s have found a partner on the internet, joined a matchmaking club and attended a special singles event than any other age group, research for Stella magazine has found.

Stella commissioned YouGov, the research agency, to interview almost 2,000 men and women of all ages and backgrounds who have been on a date in the past year.




The results contradict many popular views on dating, as well as some of the stereotypes of the differences between the two sexes.
The survey found that almost two-thirds of men and women over 55 have joined an dating website (62 per cent), compared to just over one fifth (21 per cent) of 18-24-year-olds.



They also met up with more internet dates (an average of 8.2) and found more relationships online (2.1) than any other age group.


They even met more sexual partners online (an average of 2.4) than any other age group, with the exception of the 45-54-year-old age group (2.6).
Keren Smedley, who runs Experience Matters, a relationship and dating consultancy, said the results dispelled some taboos about the older age groups.
"For most people the idea that our parents or grandparents have sex is taboo, but this is nonsense. The survey shows that people can still lead an active dating lifestyle well into their retirement."
The survey also found that 31 per cent of women bought a new outfit for their first date, 40 per cent varnished their nails, and 15 per cent got a bikini wax.
The study will be published in this Sunday's Stella magazine.

• 40% of Americans who are over 45 are single. Or 36.2 million

Hi all, me here now. Interesting survey. I don't doubt any of it. But the bit in Italics, are those numbers percentages?. Also what does surprise me is the fact that older people meet up more. I would have thought the younger ones would have met up more.

Wibbs

It would depend on the culture and the financial status of the people involved. But I dont see why people over 50 arent dating more. They're likely to be settled emotionally and financially and know more about what they want and don't want. Both genders too, but especially women. Plus as more marriages and relationships break down over a lifetime, there would be a large enough sub group of such people and they could have 40 years of life left in them. Seems daft to cut themselves off from dating/relationships etc. Hell I know a couple in their late 70's who hooked up a year ago. Fair play.

jellie

Why would it be over? Thatd be very sad.

My mum is single, my parents split up over 10 years ago, Id love to see her dating. I think internet dating might be good for her, though i think shes a bit scared of internet people. She was slightly horrified at me going for dinner with a bunch of internet girls, think she might keel over at the possibility of internet men :pac: (but sure theres no women on the internet anyway )

Id like to get her to give it a shot, but I dont know how id even suggest it. She goes out with her friends every now & then but other than work I dont think she has many social outlets where she'd meet people.

28064212

the watchman wrote: »

They also met up with more internet dates (an average of 8.2) and found more relationships online (2.1) than any other age group.

But the bit in Italics, are those numbers percentages?

No, it's saying that a person over 55 who uses internet dating meets up with, on average, 8.2 people.

It's hardly surprising. Younger age-groups will have more outlets for dating, whereas a 55 year old is unlikely to be going to a night-club or taking up a hobby to meet people. They will also typically know what they want and be less worried about what other people may think

the watchman

Originally Posted by the watchman
They also met up with more internet dates (an average of 8.2) and found more relationships online (2.1) than any other age group.

But the bit in Italics, are those numbers percentages?
No, it's saying that a person over 55 who uses internet dating meets up with, on average, 8.2 people...............
.................

Thank you 28064212 for that. 8.2 eh! My school teachers were right, always said I'd be an 'under achiever' lol:D

smelltheglove

I havent even read that but if my mother is anything to go by the thread title certainly is true! Since I met my husband 7 yrs ago she has dated probably about 6 or 7 men, she married one and is in the process of divorcing. Thats a very active love life for 40s - 50s.

the watchman

...............and is in the process of divorcing.

So sad.
For me the sadest thing ever was looking at dating sites and seeing hundreds and thousands of 'real people', 'real photos' ! of people who after investing in time, money, love, effort and emotion...weddings, holidays, houses mortgages, children, and all else involved with the union of two people had on their profile..DIVORCED!
Up to then divorced to me was just something that happend to lots of people, I felt a little removed from it all, almost seems unreal till the reality is actually pushed in your face. Bit like knowing kids starve in Africa but untill you see those kids first hand and feel the heat and the smells its just well..you know, something you see on the telly.!.....very sad.....

28064212

the watchman wrote: »

...............and is in the process of divorcing.

So sad.
For me the sadest thing ever was looking at dating sites and seeing hundreds and thousands of 'real people', 'real photos' ! of people who after investing in time, money, love, effort and emotion...weddings, holidays, houses mortgages, children, and all else involved with the union of two people had on their profile..DIVORCED!
Up to then divorced to me was just something that happend to lots of people, I felt a little removed from it all, almost seems unreal till the reality is actually pushed in your face. Bit like knowing kids starve in Africa but untill you see those kids first hand and feel the heat and the smells its just well..you know, something you see on the telly.!.....very sad.....

Soooo.... what? A divorce doesn't negate what went before it. Should they just stay in a relationship they're not happy in for the sake of the past?

the watchman

Did'nt mean to start a ball rolling.
Its just so sad...thats all:).

jellie

the watchman wrote: »

..............and is in the process of divorcing.

So sad.
For me the sadest thing ever was looking at dating sites and seeing hundreds and thousands of 'real people', 'real photos' ! of people who after investing in time, money, love, effort and emotion...weddings, holidays, houses mortgages, children, and all else involved with the union of two people had on their profile..DIVORCED!
Up to then divorced to me was just something that happend to lots of people, I felt a little removed from it all, almost seems unreal till the reality is actually pushed in your face. Bit like knowing kids starve in Africa but untill you see those kids first hand and feel the heat and the smells its just well..you know, something you see on the telly.!.....very sad.....

ok people divorcing is nothing like kids starving in Africa

Yes it is sad, but I doubt any of these people want you looking at them with pity. Relationships break up all the time but it doesnt negate what happened in the relationship. Id guess a lot of them have children and friends and all sorts of other parts of their lives that wouldnt have happened if it werent for that relationship.

Its not the end of the world, and it doesnt define a person.

Silverfish

Moved from tLL.