Detailed research from the Sunday Telegraph today shows the following insights into the dating experiences of the over 55’s population. Headline findings were:

- around two thirds of men and women over 55 have joined internet dating websites;

- older men and women are more likely to meet and go on dates with people they have met online, and also more likely to then go on and have more serious relationships with people met online;

- the over 55’s dating online using internet dating sites had met an average of eight people each and had relationships with an average of two people each

This research is great to hear and is based on a YouGov poll of some 2,000 men and women. This experience certainly accords with the experience of Senior Dating UK and the Senior Dating Agency both of whom cater for the over 55’s market and are experiencing strong growth and demand from the many thousands of senior daters we have signed up online.

A recent survey from the dating site Senior Dating UK shows that the over 50’s are the fastest growing users of online dating sites. The data compiled by Senior Dating UK showed that online dating is losing its taboo’s and is now mainstream for so many people in the UK. Commenting on the findings from the survey, Nichola Hatcher believes that there are four factors behind the growth of silver surfers dating online:

1) The over fifties are one of the wealthiest segments of society with meaningful more disposable income and less constrained to try new things;

2) The roll out of broadband making it easier for Seniors to get good fast and reliable internet access;

3) Many seniors are connecting to stay in touch with children and grandchildren and are connecting up to avoid being left behind;

4) The increase in high quality dating sites such as Senior Dating UK providing safe secure and reliable online dating services targeting at Senior Citizens dating online;

The advice from Senior Dating UK to make the most of your online dating experiences is:

1.Attend some social events – get out and about and meet some new people. Don’t just rely on the web – keep your social skills brushed up – there are plenty of events to choose from all year round and even singles’ holidays (so you can get away from winter when things start getting nasty);

2. Kickstart your online dating today – if you’re not already dating online, now’s the time to start if you want to give yourself plenty of time to find someone. Looking at up to 3 different seniors dating agency sites will give you a good idea as to what’s out there. You don’t have to pay for all of them, but setting up a free profile will help you gauge the level of response you get.

3. Prepare your dating profile and make sure its accurate and reflects the real you – this is a good time to check how you show up on your profile, add some up-to-date pictures, write about exciting things you’ve been doing.

4.Plan ahead to make yourself feel desirable in the coming months. Autumn is traditionally a period of less exercise and lots of drinking and eating now that you don’t have to show up on a beach!. If this sounds like you, then why not head it off at the pass? Whatever it is that makes you feel sexy and desirable – joining a gym, take up a dancing class (with the added bonus of meeting new people), – get yourself into the habit of doing it now.

5.Fill your diary – book events and get out and about – it’s not all about how you look. More often that not, confidence comes from how you feel (though most of us tend to feel good when we believe we look good). This time of year is great for starting a new hobby or attending an evening class, a book club, etc. These are all good ways of meeting new people, learning a new skill or developing an existing one. Apart from introducing you to new social groups, learning a new skill is a great confidence booster – especially if it’s something you’ve always wanted to do and never thought you could.

Make sure you are part of the online senior dating growth and find a partner online for friendship and romance.