Guide · By Single 60s
Dating again after 60
Divorced, separated or simply out of practice for decades: a plain guide to starting over.
How do you start dating again after 60?
Start by deciding what you want, whether that's friendship, companionship or a partner. Then make a simple profile with a recent photo, try one or two places to meet people, and keep early meetings short and public. Go at a pace that feels comfortable. Nobody your age expects a whirlwind, and most would prefer a proper conversation.
If your last first date was decades ago, the mechanics have changed. Phones, profiles and messaging didn't exist when many people now in their sixties were last single. What hasn't changed is the part that matters: two people finding out whether they enjoy each other's company.
How do you know you're ready to date after divorce?
You can talk about your former husband or wife without the anger or sadness taking over the conversation. You're curious about meeting someone, rather than desperate to prove something. And you have a life of your own that you'd like to share, not a gap you need someone to fill.
After a long marriage it can take a while to remember what you like doing when nobody else's preferences come first. Spend a few months on that. People who are content in their own company tend to be easier to spend an evening with, and they choose more wisely.
If you've lost a spouse rather than divorced, the feelings are different, and our separate guide to dating after losing a spouse is written for you.
What should you expect when dating in your sixties?
Expect most people to come with a history: grown children, an ex, a late partner, a house full of belongings, health they keep an eye on. So do you. That's not baggage, it's a life, and it gives you plenty to talk about.
Expect some dates to be pleasant and go nowhere. That's normal at any age, not a verdict on you. And expect that what people want varies. Some hope to remarry. Many would prefer to keep their own homes and see each other a few times a week. Others want a companion for theater trips and nothing more. Being clear early saves everyone time.
Is it better to meet people online or offline?
Both work, and they work best together. Offline, you meet people through things you'd do anyway: clubs, classes, volunteering, faith groups, walks. It's natural, but you rarely know who is single. Online, you can see straight away who is available and what they're hoping for, and you can message from your armchair before deciding whether to meet. Our guide to where singles over 60 meet compares the options.
On Single 60s the free account covers a profile, photos, browsing, daily suggestions and a set number of messages each day. It runs in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer, so there's no app to install. Anyone 18+ can join, though the site is made for the over 60s, and you choose the age range and distance your suggestions come from. Writing the profile itself is easier with our profile tips.
How fast should things move?
As fast as feels right to you, and no faster. A sensible rhythm for many people is a few weeks of messages, then a phone or video call, then a coffee. After that, let it build. There's no rule about when to hold hands, meet friends or spend a weekend away.
If someone pushes for more than you're ready for, whether that's meeting, commitment or intimacy, say so. Anyone worth knowing will respect it.
What about your family?
Your children may be delighted, wary or both. Some worry about inheritance, some about you being hurt, some just find it odd to think of a parent dating. Tell them when there's something to tell, rather than reporting every coffee. Introductions can wait until a relationship feels steady.
What are the safety basics?
Keep chatting on the site until you've met, because Single 60s warns you when someone tries to move the conversation to another app. Meet in daylight in a busy place and make your own way there. Verify your own profile for free so others can trust you, and look for the Verified badge on theirs. Never send money, gift cards or crypto to someone you haven't met, however sad the story. Our guide to romance scams covers the warning signs, and the safety page lists every protection on the site. For ideas once you're ready to meet, read first date ideas, or find more on the articles page.
Starting over: your questions
Am I too old to start dating at 60?
No. People find partners in their sixties, seventies and later, and our page on dating over 70 looks at meeting someone even further on.
Should I mention my divorce on a first date?
Briefly, if it comes up. Keep it factual and free of blame, and save the detail for when you know each other.
Do I have to pay to try online dating?
Not on Single 60s. The free account lets you make a profile, browse and message each day. Paid plans are optional and shown on the pricing page.
Take the first small step
A free profile, a recent photo and a hello. The rest can wait until you're ready.
Join free