If you are stumbling upon this page I’m going to assume that you are over 50 years of age, and also that you are quite new to the online dating game.
Maybe you’ve been through a separation and you’re newly single. Or maybe you’ve just never stumbled into the strange world of online dating and are curious about if it’s worth trying.
Maybe that curiosity is mostly overtaken by the fear and unknowing of what you’re about to get yourself into. If that’s you, and whether you are male or female, you are in the right place.
So, without further ado, let’s introduce you to the wonderful, yet wacky, world of Bumble. If you are brand new to online dating and have zero idea about Bumble, check out this beginner’s guide on exactly how Bumble works.
Is Bumble For Over 50-Year-Olds?
Kids and their new-fangled technology, right? If you’re an older dater, getting on “the apps” can be intimidating at first. But let me tell you: there’s nothing to be worried about. Older adults use Bumble too.
So is Bumble for over 50-year-olds? Well, the simple answer is that Bumble is for everyone. So, yes, Bumble is for over 50-year-olds. However, the majority of Bumble users are aged between 18 and 35, so a site like eHarmony, with an older user base, might be a better fit for you.
This article will be about why being over 50 and using Bumble can be a great thing, but I will also give you a few tips and things to expect. In the past, I have seen many over 50s and seniors jump onto a dating app, to quit it even quicker.
In my opinion, the biggest reason for this is the fact that you aren’t prepared, mixed with the fact that it’s a world you have quite literally never experienced before.
And sure, there are Bumble features that take some getting used to, from Bumble’s Beeline to the whole concept of Elo.
We will also take a look at an online dating site and app that I personally believe is better for daters in their 50s. The site is called eHarmony and we will take an in-depth look at whether this app might be better for you.
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What Age Group Uses Bumble?
Bumble is used by all age groups. The only requirement to use Bumble is that you are over 18 years old.
The dating app big three, Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, are all targeted at the younger generation. But don’t let that be something to turn you off, because there are still many people using the app who are over 50.
Famously, actress Sharon Stone sent out a tweet to Bumble, complaining about the fact that they blocked her account because they assumed someone was using her likeness in a fake profile.
Sharon Stone is 65 years old, and she obviously uses the app. I don’t think she was spending too much time wondering if Bumble is for over 50-year-olds.
Whatever Sharon’s up to, the fact still remains, that you will be in the minority.
But the beauty of using Bumble is you can set parameters and filters to ensure that you are only being presented with other profiles that are in your age range preference.
If you have your heart set on matching with only people in their 30s, you can do so, but keep in mind that they might have their own age preferences, so, therefore, might not see your profile.
But what I am getting at, is you won’t have to spend hours sifting through hundreds of 18-year-olds before you get to a potential partner that tickles your fancy.
You may get a little deterred seeing the above graph, but just remember that Bumble has over 100 million users, so there are still plenty of people in their 50s using the app.
But if the numbers are still too low for you, eHarmony will probably be best.
Am I Too Old For Bumble?
Start typing “Life starts at…” into Google’s search bar and what does it suggest? Life starts at 30, 40, 50, 60… Life starts when you’re ready for it.
So if you’re wondering, “Am I too old for Bumble?” let me say it again: No, you are certainly not too old for Bumble. I have seen almost every single age you can imagine on all dating apps. Simply set your dating preferences to your preferred age range to find a dating pool of older people.
I have also seen almost every single age be extremely successful on dating apps, male and female, and my Hook Her Heart students have come from all backgrounds to find love.
I’ll be honest though. If, right now, you downloaded Bumble, without knowing a thing about it, and tried to give it a go, maybe you would feel it’s not for you.
And the reason for that is in my opinion, regardless of your age, you need to be prepared.
Even with this preparation, remember, you are getting involved in something that is brand new to you, so just please have an open mind.
So let’s look at a few lessons that I have seen some of my clients learn the hard way and some points that may help your online dating journey be less daunting.
4 Tips For Over 50’s Using Bumble
Over 50s can have great success on Bumble but if you’ve never used a dating app before there’ll be a little learning curve. Here’s what you need to know.
1. It Is What You Make It
You have to go into it with an open mind, otherwise, it won’t work, simple. You are about to experience something that you never have before.
Ladies, you will experience sleazy guys that will invite you over after two sentences. Guys, you might witness young girls that appear interested, only to offer to sell you nude photos. *Gasp*.
Even though this stuff happens way less on Bumble compared to other dating apps, it’s still out there in the online dating world. If you expect the worse, the reality shouldn’t be that bad.
Just keep in mind that everyone on these online dating apps faces these negative aspects, don’t let it turn you off, as it’s just part of it.
2. Trust Your Gut
I was recently speaking to a 62-year-old woman who had been through a separation and had started using Bumble for the first time.
She told me she had come across her fair share of guys she didn’t click with, but after a week of using the app, really hit it off with one guy in particular.
She was telling me about how he asked her to meet up but she wasn’t sure if she would.
Related: What Is Bumble Boost?
Basically, when I quizzed her on why she was feeling this way, what it came down to was the fact that meeting essentially a stranger off the internet went against every single instinct she had.
It wasn’t because she didn’t like the guy or was getting a strange vibe, no, it was because she had never done it before.
I asked her “What does your gut tell you about this guy?” She instantly lit up and went a little red, and only had good things to say.
Long story short, I strongly urged her to trust that feeling and meet this guy. In 2023, meeting people online is normal.
Afterward, she told me that she was extremely nervous before the meeting (very normal) but once they met she had the time of her life.
Guess what? They are still together 6 months later.
3. Ignore The External
Don’t tell all of your friends and family you are using Bumble, the majority of the time it won’t help.
Unless your friends have been using the app themselves, when you tell your loved ones about downloading an online dating app, they will have concerns.
Just like you had/have, which is probably the reason you’re reading this. When I first raised the idea of Bumble to the woman in the previous paragraph, she said, “Oh, isn’t that an app just for young people?”
When people have limited or no experience with something, don’t take their warnings or anecdotes as gospel, it will just make things harder for you.
4. You Have To Make An Effort
This one is especially for you men out there. The reason I say that is, there is a little bit of a running joke in the online dating community that men getting on an online dating site for the first time have no idea how to take a good photo for a dating app.
I constantly hear from new clients that they are fit and good-looking men in their 50s and don’t understand why they aren’t cleaning up on Bumble, then I look at their profile and they have one photo which is a selfie taken from below, and way too close up.
You have to make an effort, it’s as simple as that. Going into exactly what you can and should do to improve your chances is too long for this post, but when it comes to photos, bio, and having a great conversation, be prepared to put in some work.
And remember guys, on Bumble your potential matches will have to make the first move. So your profile will have to make them want to reach out.
What Is The Best Dating App For Over 50’s?
You may still be a little bit unsure as to what dating app will suit you best. In my opinion, Bumble is a great one, especially for the ladies.
The reason for this is that on Bumble, only women can send the first message. A lot of the control is given to them and they aren’t bombarded with unwanted messages like some other dating apps. It is absolutely one of the best dating sites for over 50-year-olds.
My opinion on the best dating app for over 50s? If you are over 50 years old and serious about finding love, then the app for you is eHarmony.
eHarmony is dedicated to daters who are serious about finding love and it has an older demographic. The average age is older and one in six women on eHarmony is over 45+, making it a great place for older daters.eHarmony takes compatibility seriously. They use an 80-question compatibility quiz to find matches you’ll click with. If you’re after connection, definitely give it a try today, and find out more here.
Final Thoughts
Your age shouldn’t be the main determining factor in what dating app you use and there are loads of great dating apps for ALL dating types out there.
But whatever app you choose, give yourself the best chance by building a great dating profile. My 6-Step Tinder Tune-Up (which works for EVERY app out there) will help you perfect your photos and bio to craft a profile that suits you and helps you get the right sort of matches.
Happy swiping.
