Here are some features you can expect from most dating websites designed for older adults.
A Questionnaire
Depending on the site, you may be asked to fill out a questionnaire to help narrow down matches. It might be a fill-in-the-blank survey, or it might be a multiple-choice “quiz” that helps you express what you’re looking for in a partner. Common questions explore your body type, education level, smoking and drinking habits, religious beliefs and practices, hobbies, political views and match preferences, including age range, height, marital status, education and more.
A Detailed Profile
Your profile is your opportunity to showcase your unique personality. Depending on the website, there are different fields users can fill out, such as your interests and preferences in potential companions. Be sure to share details about yourself, but be careful about revealing too much personal information in your profile.
Privacy and Safety Features
Reputable dating websites disclose the steps they’ve taken to keep your data private and keep you safe while you use their service. Look for words like “encryption” (which encodes messages so they can only be read by the sender and recipient), “scam detection” (which detects potential fraud like fake profiles and stolen photos) and “sex offender checks.” Know that not all free dating sites complete criminal background checks on their users.
Cost
The price of meeting a potential match depends on the dating site. For example, Silver Singles offers a free basic membership, but you can upgrade to a premium service that provides unlimited access to all profiles and the ability to create a more detailed profile. Pricing structures differ from site to site.
Communication and Connecting
Once you’ve set up your profile and uploaded a photo, you can begin connecting with potential matches. The options for how to do so are broad, but they often include messaging on the app or website itself, as well as an option for audio and video calls.
The Site’s Network
Before joining a site, do some quick research. Most websites will publicly list their number of active members, and they should be able to share the process by which they match you with singles in your local community.
Additional Perks
Along with matching you with potential partners, some sites offer bonus services like a professional matchmaker who can find matches for you, a dating concierge who can help you plan dates and invitations to member-only events. However, there may be an extra cost associated with these add-ons.
