The Reality of Finding Love in Your 60s

If life has taught us anything as adults, it is that we are never guaranteed anything – especially when it comes to matters of the heart. But, we do know one thing for certain and that is by the time you are in your 60s you have been hurt, at least once. Even though this might be your story so far, a part of you wants to believe that you can still find a love connection at any age. And the good news is, you totally can!

Your goal has changed

Unlike dating in your 20s, 30s or even 40s, you might no longer be searching for someone to build a home and/or have children with. You are now ready for the next chapter. You are looking for a companion, someone with shared interest and common worldviews, or simply someone to be by your side on those adventures. Laughter and fun experiences are what you seek now. Maybe it’s that cruise you want to enjoy with someone, or 18-holes of golf with a partner who gets it, or even that weekend trip to Bunnings where you enjoy browsing through plants with a coffee in hand. Finding love in your 60s, is about having someone who can be by your side, enjoying experiences together.

Online dating isn’t your favourite scene

You are willing to take another chance at love, but where do you even begin? If you’ve been out of the dating scene for a while, you might sense that meeting someone now isn’t the same as it was 30 years ago. Gone are the days of meeting organically through friends, work or at the coffee shop. We are now living in a world where a single photo and a sentence describing oneself is all it takes for someone to decide whether you are worthy of their time (by swiping right, not left!). Making online dating all the more daunting, especially if you are not well versed with the special etiquettes of digital romance. According to the New York Times, many older daters struggle with what to do with the whole online dating situation and are calling on matchmakers and dating coaches to guide them through this unfamiliar dating world. We’re proud to say that at Ideal Introductions, we have been able to guide many singles over 60 who have gone on to find their ideal partner. Having a matchmaker who truly understands the mature dating landscape and challenges is a game-changer.

The thought of dating in your 60s shouldn’t make you want to curl back on to your sofa. Unlike online dating apps and websites, a matchmaker will provide you a personalised service to help you find the right person for you – at whatever stage you are at in life.

You’re tired of trying to figuring things out, again

No matter your age, the thing about jumping back into the dating scene is that you’ll have to go through that discovery phase again. Finding someone, getting to know them and figuring out if they are a good match. If that’s a process you are not willing to go at alone, matchmakers offer ongoing support and advice to help find you the right match. Something invaluable, especially if you have been out of practice in the love department. According to Judith Gottesman, a geriatric social worker turned matchmaker “One of the big dating challenges for both sexes in this age group is that they are so rusty they go back to their same awkward self at age 20, insecure and unsure,” she added that “They might be very trusting of people and they shouldn’t be. They might think if they kiss them good night they’re going to call. Kisses aren’t promises.” Luckily for Deborah Cox, her “matchmaker was always a phone call away.” Deborah said, “I was given lots of advice along the way and I had some great dates with lovely guys.” When Deborah was matched with Brian, she said she knew quite early on that he was special. “The rest is history. We have six kids between us so we now have a huge family,” said Deborah.

You’re tired of time-wasters

How many brunches, lunches and dinners have you gone through only to realise your date was a) never really that interested, b) was not compatible at all, or c) wasting your time? Matchmakers not only have the flexibility to get to know you (the real you and not just a snippet of what you think is desirable), they have access to a database of people who are genuinely looking for the same thing as you – a real relationship. People look for online dating for many different reasons but those who go to matchmakers are actually investing in a future. This is one of the biggest reasons over 60s outsource their Love life to experts at Ideal Introductions. They would rather spend their time enjoying the things they love and leave the time-consuming, hard work to the professionals.

You just don’t know who to trust sometimes

There is also a lot of trust put onto matchmakers as clients privy them to personal information. You’ll know that whatever information you provide them will be handled with care and used to find you your person. You won’t have to worry about being lied to and deceived online (Have you watched an episode of Catfish? Anyone can be whoever they want to be online). “Matchmakers perform background checks, administer personality testing, and build psychological profiles of their clients. The best combine a therapist’s listening skills and objective perspective with a life coach’s ability to motivate. Matchmakers may also interview their clients to determine why past relationships have failed, and help them formulate a strategy to achieve their relationship goals.” Says Suzanne Raga, writer of the article 11 Secrets of Matchmakers. When finding love in your 60s, trust is a big thing.