Dating later in life doesn’t have to feel confusing or high-pressure. The tools have changed, but the goal hasn’t: meet good people, safely and simply. Below is a quick guide to the best options for over-60s today, plus a few notes on safety and where friendship fits in.
TL;DR
- Top pick: SilverSingles remains a strong choice for 50+ daters who want something serious and easy to use.
- Runner-up with scale: OurTime has a very large 50+ user base and frequent local activity.
- Apps you may already know: Bumble, Hinge, and Tinder now include face verification to reduce fake profiles.
- For friendship: Stitch is a growing 50+ community if you’re not ready to date.
- Safety first: Romance-fraud cases have risen—learn the red flags and use in-app verification tools.
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Which Dating Site Is Best For Over 60?
It can be daunting to date in later life, especially if the last time you were on the market your options were meeting through friends, posting in a newspaper’s matching pages, or getting really chatty at the bar. Online dating is its own micro-society, and it has its own rules. There’s no shame in asking for help getting started online dating, or advice on which of the many dating sites and apps will work best for you. You can be incredibly accomplished in life — whether you’re a CEO, a sportsman, or have spent decades running a home — but that probably hasn’t prepared you for the world of online dating! Luckily, there are plenty of resources out there, from guides like this one to books by people who’ve been there and want to help others. First, though, you probably want to know which dating site is best for users over 60. Opinions differ, but for many, SilverSingles is the best. SilverSingles is easy to navigate with a quick sign-up process and a clientele primarily interested in something serious. It’s all older users, so there’s no sifting through profiles of people young enough to be your children (or grandchildren). SilverSingles offers you matches, so if you don’t have time to browse or use complex search functions, you’ll still get strong candidates suggested. With well over 800,000 monthly users, your pool is healthy—especially in cities and suburbs. SilverSingles is a paid site, but that may well be a good thing. Paid platforms tend to be more secure and attract a higher caliber of users. To learn more about SilverSingles specifically, you can have a look at a full guide—or just start exploring. And to learn more about dating online as a senior, read on!
What Is The Best Dating App For Over 60’s?
It’s important to distinguish between dating sites that have apps, dating sites that have good apps, and pure dating apps—platforms designed primarily for mobile use. Almost all dating sites have apps now, but many are hard to use or don’t include all features. SilverSingles has one of the most user-friendly apps for iOS and Android, fully functional and simple for beginners. Lumen, once a 50+-only app, has now been folded into Bumble. If you see references to Lumen, you’ll be directed to use Bumble with age filters instead. Some seniors use mainstream apps like Bumble, Hinge, and even Tinder; while 60+ users are a minority there, smart filters and safety features make them worth trying. These platforms now use selfie or facial-recognition checks to reduce fake profiles—look for the verification badge. You can set age range preferences, so if you want to have a go at swiping, go ahead! Just remember: free apps aren’t always as safe as they look, so stay alert and trust your instincts.
Friendship Sites For Over 60’s
Whether you’re looking for friends for yourself or worried about a parent or relative, finding friends is always a good idea. Friendship is vital for health and well-being, and loneliness can contribute to several health issues later in life. While the modern world can sometimes feel isolating, it also provides unique opportunities for connection. Many dating sites for over 50s or over 60s allow you to search for friendship instead of romance—SilverSingles does. If you’re feeling adventurous, Bumble For Friends (BFF) is a fun way to meet local people for companionship and events. There’s also Stitch, a social network designed to fight isolation in the over-50 community, with local and virtual meetups around the world. No matter your age, things can get lonely sometimes—but connecting online is a great way to fight it.
Free Dating Sites For Over 60’s
Many dating sites offer free basic membership with premium upgrades for extra features. SilverSingles, for example, allows you to start free before deciding whether to upgrade, and there are several membership tiers to suit different budgets. OurTime also offers free sign-up with paid features and is one of the largest 50+ dating communities—especially helpful if you live outside a big city. Truly free sites tend to be filled with ads and fewer safety controls, so investing in a reputable service often means better quality and protection from scams.
What Is The Safest Dating Site For Seniors?
Some dating sites are safer than others. Reputable names like SilverSingles and eharmony tend to have fewer fake profiles and stronger verification systems. SilverSingles and the larger apps increasingly use selfie verification and anti-fraud technology to keep communities secure, though no platform is 100% risk-free. The best way to stay safe online is to learn the telltale signs of fraud and stick to best practices for avoiding them. Never send money, don’t move conversations off-platform too quickly, and be cautious with anyone who pressures you. Let friends and family know you’re dating—it’s safer and may even bring you great advice. Once you get the hang of online dating, it’s actually really fun! Just take things at your own pace and try different sites until you find one that feels right.
FAQ
Which is better for over-60s: SilverSingles or OurTime?
Both are great. SilverSingles is more streamlined with mostly 50+ members, while OurTime has a larger base and more local activity. Try both free and see where you get the best matches.
Did the Lumen app shut down?
Yes. Lumen was absorbed into Bumble. Use Bumble with age filters for a similar experience.
Are mainstream apps safe for seniors now?
Safer than before. Apps like Hinge and Tinder now offer video and face verification, helping reduce fake profiles. Still, stay cautious and report anything suspicious.
Where can I make friends, not date?
Try Bumble For Friends for local meetups or Stitch for 50+ communities and activities. Both are designed to help you connect without pressure.
What red flags should I watch for on dating apps?
Watch out for quick declarations of love, urgent money requests, reluctance to video chat, or attempts to move conversations off the app. Take your time and verify people before meeting.
How big is SilverSingles in 2025?
SilverSingles has over 800,000 active monthly users, mostly aged 50 and up, with a steady, engaged community.
