Dating Over 70: A Practical Guide to Love and Companionship

If you are thinking about dating again in your 70s, you are far from alone. Census 2021 figures for England and Wales show that among people aged 65 and over, 23.1% were widowed, 12.2% were divorced and 6.3% had never married or formed a civil partnership. The Office for National Statistics also found that 3.3 million people aged 65 and over were living alone, and that more older men and women were divorced than ten years earlier.

People date at this age for all sorts of reasons: companionship, someone to share trips and meals with, romance, or simply the fun of meeting someone new. There is no right reason and no deadline. Some want a partner to live with; many prefer to keep their own home and see each other on their own terms. Being clear with yourself about what you want is the best first step, and it makes your profile much easier to write.

If you are dating after losing a husband, wife or partner, our gentle guide to dating after bereavement may help, and dating after divorce covers starting again after a separation.

Good UK figures for the over-70s are hard to find, but a large US survey by Pew Research Center (fieldwork in July 2022, published in 2023) gives a sense of it: 12% of adults aged 70 and over had ever used online dating, against 14% of those in their 60s and 23% of those in their 50s. Among online daters aged 50 and over, 53% described their experience as positive.

A smaller pool has an upside. People in their 70s who date online tend to know what they want and to take their time, and a site where you can search by age and distance shows you everyone nearby who fits, rather than whoever happens to be awake and swiping.

If online dating is new to you, our online dating tips for beginners walk through the first few weeks step by step.

Rather than chasing a site with “70” in its name, pick one that is easy to use and has people of your age near you. The main types are:

Dating sites come and go. In 2026 EliteSingles closed with two days' notice and SilverSingles changed operator, so it pays to look beyond the name. Before you pay any site:

• Who runs it? The company name and address should be at the foot of the website.
• What does it cost in total? Look for the full price, how long the plan lasts and whether it renews automatically.
• Can you cancel online? You should not need to phone or write a letter.
• How are fake profiles handled? Look for photo or ID checks, and for report and block buttons on every profile.

Our reviews of OurTime, SilverSingles, Match and eharmony answer these questions for each site, and our dating site prices guide compares costs.

A good profile at 70 or 80 is the same as at any age: honest, recent and specific. A few pointers:

1. Photos from the last year or two. A smiling head-and-shoulders photo in daylight, plus one of you out and about. People want to recognise you when you meet.
2. Your life now, not your CV. The grandchildren, the allotment, the choir, the trips you still want to take.
3. Say what you are looking for. “Someone to share Sunday lunches and the odd adventure with” tells people far more than “looking for my soulmate”.
4. Keep personal details back. Leave out your surname, address and anything about your finances.

If a family member or friend helps you set things up, that is a good idea; just make sure the words are yours. Our guide to writing a dating profile and the profile photo guide have examples.

Many couples in later life meet through a shared interest rather than a dating site, and the two work well together. Some places to start:

• The u3a. Age UK describes it as a nationwide network of learning and interest groups for people who are retired or semi-retired, with no exams and no upper age limit. Local u3as usually charge a yearly fee, after which you can usually join as many groups as you like.
• Walking, dancing, singing and sports clubs. Regular, relaxed and sociable, so conversation comes naturally.
• Volunteering. Charity shops, community gardens, heritage sites and local events all need people.
• Classes at your library, college or community centre.

If you are lonely and would like someone to talk to, Age UK's Silver Line is a free helpline for people aged 55 and over, open 24 hours a day on 0800 4 70 80 90. Age UK's Advice Line, on 0800 678 1602, can tell you about services and groups near you.

Romance fraudsters look for people who are open about wanting a relationship, and that includes older daters. In Pew Research Center's survey, 39% of US online daters aged 65 and over said they had come across someone they thought was trying to scam them. The warning signs are well known:

• strong feelings declared very quickly, often before you have met;
• a reason they cannot video call or meet, such as working overseas;
• a push to move to WhatsApp, text or email straight away;
• any request for money, gift cards, cryptocurrency or help with a “temporary” problem.

If you get an unexpected call about money from someone claiming to be your bank, hang up and call 159, which connects you to your own bank. Our online dating safety checklist, guide to romance fraud and how to report a romance scam in the UK explain what to do next. It can help to read them with a family member.

The best first dates at any age are short, easy and low pressure. A few things make them easier later in life:

• Daytime and daylight. Late morning coffee or lunch avoids driving in the dark.
• Somewhere you can hear each other. Pick a quiet corner rather than a busy pub, especially if either of you wears hearing aids.
• Easy access. Think about parking, steps, seating and toilets, and do not be shy about mentioning what suits you.
• Your own way home. Drive yourself, take a taxi or use public transport, so you can leave when you choose.

Need inspiration? Our first date ideas include plenty of calm, daytime options, and questions to ask on a first date helps if you are out of practice.

Grown-up children react in all sorts of ways, from delight to worry. Introducing a new partner gradually, and being open about how you met, usually helps. Our over-60s guide has a section on talking to your family about dating later in life.

Money matters more as a relationship becomes serious. Citizens Advice explains that in England there is no such thing as a “common law marriage” giving couples who live together the same rights as married couples. A partner you are not married to will not automatically inherit unless you own property jointly, so you may need to make or update a will, and pension schemes may need an “expression of wishes” form. Citizens Advice suggests a living together agreement and advice from a family law solicitor. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have their own rules, so check the version for where you live.

Smooch suits people who like to take their time. You set the age range and distance you want, browse profiles at your own pace and send a like, a message or an introduction when someone catches your eye. New profiles and photos are reviewed before they appear, every member can block and report anyone, and you can verify your ID with a photo ID and a selfie to show an “ID verified” badge, so others know you are who you say you are.

Joining is free. To send and read messages you need a membership, which is £19.99 a month in the UK, shown before you pay and cancellable online at any time. See how Smooch works and membership and prices for the detail.