Guide · By Single 60s
How to write a dating profile over 60
A recent photo, a few specific lines and an honest word about what you want. That is most of it.
A good dating profile over 60 has a clear, recent photo of your face, an opening line that says something specific about your life now, a brief and kind word about your past, and a plain statement of what you're hoping to find. Specific beats general every time: "I make marmalade every January" is more memorable than "I enjoy cooking."
It helps to think of the profile as the start of a conversation rather than a summary of your life. Its only job is to make the right person want to say hello.
What photos should you use on a dating profile over 60?
Your main photo carries more weight than anything you write, so give it some care.
The main picture
Head and shoulders, taken in the last year or two, in natural light, smiling, with nobody else in the frame. No sunglasses, no hat pulled low. Ask a friend to take a few by a window, then pick the one that looks like you on a good day.
The others
Add two or three more that show your life: in the garden, on a walk, at the piano, with the dog. One full-length photo is helpful, and honest. Avoid group shots where people have to guess which one is you, and leave out pictures with a former partner cropped off the edge.
Every photo on Single 60s is screened when it's uploaded, by AI and a human reviewer, so a clear and genuine picture goes through without fuss. Free ID verification adds a Verified badge, which reassures people that the face is real.
How should a dating profile start?
The first line is what people see in a list of suggestions, so it has to earn a second look. Start with something you actually do, or something that makes you laugh, rather than a list of adjectives. Everybody says they're kind, loyal and have a good sense of humor. Show it instead.
Then add two or three short paragraphs: how you spend a typical week, a couple of things you love, and what you'd like to share with someone. Keep it under a few hundred words. Shorter is fine if every line tells the reader something.
What should you say about your past?
One honest sentence is usually right. If you're widowed, you might say you were happily married for many years and are ready for company again. If you're divorced, say so without blame. A profile isn't the place for the whole story, and anything that reads like a grievance puts people off.
The same goes for children and grandchildren. A mention shows what matters to you; a paragraph about each of them crowds out you. Widowed and not sure you're ready? Our piece on dating after losing a spouse may help.
What does a better profile line look like?
These are illustrations we wrote ourselves to show the idea. They aren't taken from anyone's profile.
| Instead of | Try something like |
|---|---|
| I like travel. | Last spring I finally took the train trip I'd been planning for years. Next on the list is somewhere with mountains. |
| I'm easygoing and fun. | I'll happily lose at Scrabble and I always say yes to a second slice of pie. |
| Looking for my soulmate. | I'd love someone to share Sunday lunches and the odd day out, and see where it goes. |
| Widowed, kids grown. | I was married for a long time and miss having someone to talk over the day with. |
Notice the right-hand lines avoid what someone isn't. Negatives like "no time wasters" sound defensive, even when they're understandable.
Should you say what you're looking for?
Yes, clearly. On Single 60s you choose the kind of relationship you want when you set up your account, and friendship is one option, so the people suggested to you share the same hope. Your daily suggestions also draw on your interests, lifestyle habits and religious beliefs, which is another reason to fill those in properly rather than skipping them. The features page lists what goes into matching.
Finally, read it aloud. If a sentence sounds like a job application, rewrite it the way you'd say it to a friend. Profiles can be changed at any time, so a first version doesn't need to be perfect. Once people start writing back, our first date ideas are the next step, and the full set of guides is on the articles page.
Profile questions
Should I give my real age?
Yes. Taking a few years off starts things with a fib, and it comes out at the first meeting. The right people will be looking for your actual age.
Will people see my real name?
No. Members see your username and your nearest town or city, never your real name or address.
Does it cost anything to make a profile?
No. A profile with photos is part of the free account, which is open to adults 18+. Paid plans are optional and are listed on the pricing page.
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