Research shows that Baby Boomers are excelling at online dating. At a time when the rate of younger adults is in steady decline, divorce for adults aged over 50 has roughly doubled since the 1990s for Baby Boomers. According to Pew Research, in recent years, for every 1,000 married persons aged 50 or more, 10 are divorced.
Part of the reason is the unprecedented levels of divorce among Baby Boomers in their younger years. Second marriages statistically tend to be more unstable, and among all adults of this age who divorced in 2015, almost half were ending a second marriage. In case you think that is grounds to avoid looking for love, think again.
Love on the net
Research by Warner Leisure Hotels has found that there was double the number of over 50s turning to online dating in 2016, then in 2013. Many also have positive attitudes to life and love, with a third of people surveyed stating they felt more carefree, and around 27% stating they feel more sexually liberated.
The survey indicates they are less fussy than they were in their 20s. Researchers note that within their hotel chain, it was typical to see Boomers out dining, dancing, and having a great time. Guests who meet during holidays often continue their friendship via Facebook and other social media apps.
Top technologies for online dating
At a time when many people are firmly entrenched in their careers, dating apps, Facebook, and even Twitter are proving to be more than sites on which to while away one’s time. Some of the biggest providers of online dating services include Tinder (with cool features such as Like, Pass or Super Like), which already has over 50 million users.
Apps like eHarmony and Senior Match, and even non-dating sites like Facebook or Twitter are also providing Boomers with opportunities to attend concerts and other events in which they are able to casually meet potential interests.
These days, online ticket sites are enabling providers to offer a wide array of events catered to different age groups. Sites like Facebook and Meetup.com enable Boomers and other users to invite others to interesting cultural and musical events in their area, which is a great way to enjoy a date without the pressure.
What is the success rate of online dating?
Ratings giant Consumer Reports recently conducted a survey involving around 115,000 persons, in order to discover more about Boomers’ online dating habits. Researchers found that online dating has an impressive success rate: 44%, to be exact. This success is echoed by other age groups. Thus, today, one in every four heterosexual couples and two in every three gay couples meet online.
Divorce is officially recognized as a high-risk event but when time passes, those going through it can see it as an opportunity to meet someone that fulfills them and expands their social circle positively. If you are shy about online dating, or you are scared you won’t find someone that loves you unconditionally (or whom you are sufficiently interested in), open your mind to the possibility of at least meeting new friends and even catching exciting concerts and events with new people you meet online.
Have you tried dating online? What was your experience like? Please leave a comment below.
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