While many people never imagined they’d be dating past the age of 65, whether due to the loss of a partner or other life events, some find themselves looking for love in their golden years.
According to the Pew Research Center, roughly one-third of adults in the United States reported being single in 2022, a number that increases with age.
These statistics paint a more complete picture of the condition of senior dating in 2023 to illustrate its prevalence, demographics, and other factors, such as the frequency of senior isolation and the effects it may have moving forward.
As of 2022, 36 percent of people aged 65 and older report being single, a ratio that’s only exceeded by people aged 18 to 29, 41 percent of whom report being single. Interestingly enough, many of these older singles report not actively looking for a committed romantic relationship, and compared to men, women aged 65 and older are nearly twice as likely to be single.
The picture of dating among older adults is complex and varied; however, across the board, we can see a number of trends that indicate many seniors are comfortable living alone. Consider these statistics to get a more detailed picture of senior dating in the United States:
In a report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, researchers found that seniors considered to be socially isolated are 1.5 times as likely to be diagnosed with dementia, and around 1.3 times as likely to be diagnosed with heart disease or to suffer a stroke. Additionally, almost 25 percent of seniors over the age of 65 are considered socially isolated, which should raise dramatic concerns about the social condition of seniors in the post-pandemic United States.
Dating isn’t the only way for these seniors to find companionship — often, a simple phone call or visit can effectively stave off feelings of isolation. Yet, dating remains an effective way for seniors to find long-term companionship within their age group, preventing loneliness and the physical and mental effects it can cause.
Of course, dating can’t always provide a quick fix to social isolation. Some seniors may not be interested in or able to find companionship in this way. Since the effects of isolation are still important to address, consider these alternative strategies to help a loved one prevent social isolation:
For seniors and those with senior loved ones, dating can still be an important part of life. Even without finding a special someone, dating provides opportunities for socialization and company, which prevent the isolation and loneliness that afflicts so many seniors. If you or your loved one are experiencing feelings of isolation, consider the above information as a starting point for finding social opportunities at any age.