5 Dating tips that work at all ages

You’ve heard it all before. Sixty is the new fifty and fifty the new forty. It’s no news. Looking young may be one thing, but feeling and acting it is an entirely different issue. There’s no denying that the frenetic pace that work and society demands can add undue pressures on a person, but ever wonder how it can affect your dating life?

The Prime Pool

The good news for prime singles is that they’re not alone. According to the American Association of Retired People, there are an estimated 85 million baby boomers in North America, and 30 percent of the boomer population is single. And many, approximately 63% according to a recent A.A.R.P. study, are actively dating.

However, the difficulty for boomers re-entering the dating scene is that it’s a totally different playing field than the one to which they are accustomed. Part of the reason is that marriage is not the top priority for many singles in the fifty plus category, many of whom have lived through divorce and experienced parenthood. Add to this longer life expectancies, padded savings accounts and technology, and it’s no wonder people’s habits are shifting.

Expectations are on the rise

That quick cup of coffee does not seem to cut it anymore, at least for candidates who are trying to connect without compromise. Observes single-living lifestyle expert, Sherri Langburt: “Singles in the fifty plus set are more active and vibrant than ever before and are seeking companions who share that sense of adventure and spirit.”

How to enhance your prospects

All is fair in love and war but how can you maximize your dating efforts and returns, in a time when age is just a number? Here are 5 age-defying tips that will help you improve your dating life:

Take a Cue From Celebrities: First comes marriage, and at 60 comes fatherhood. It’s easy to pass judgment on celebrities but it’s those famous folks, like Michael Douglas, who have paved the way for the rest of us in proving that new beginnings are possible for everyone. Remember if you move forward with faith (and good planning), love can happen at any age.

Learn How to Break Boundaries: Women dating younger; men allowing themselves to be courted. These are just a couple of ways which demonstrate how far we have come. If you want to take control of your love life, do away with the rule book on which you were raised and keep an open mind and willing heart.

Do What Feels Good to You: Self-awareness is one of the greatest benefits that comes with maturity, and with that comes the knowledge of your likes and dislikes. Relationships surely require compromise, but it’s important to be true to what satisfies you. So if going to the opera or hitting the gym is what you like to do, then keep doing it! Leading a more fulfilled life will result in a happier you and open the possibility of meeting a like-minded mate.

Embrace New Channels: One in three unmarried boomers are trying to hook up through online personals and dating sites because they can meet people with similar interests, according to a recent study by the Leger Marketing survey. So if you've tried everything, including continuing education courses, volunteering, professional networking groups and social clubs, yet haven’t had much luck, then it’s time to go online to expand your search. Internet dating services may seem scary at first but matchmaking sites can open up a whole new world of opportunity for lovelorn singles.

Plan Properly: Now even though we all have our own, or know of standard go-to date spots, some people may want something more exciting than a cup of coffee, so try to get to know your audience. You should choose a place/activity that is conducive to talking - - save the movies, loud bars or concerts for later. Wine, cheese, piano or museum bars are all great choices. If dinner is an option, try to select a casual and comfortable place, where you can enjoy small bites such as Spanish Tapas or Greek Mezzes. And don't be too fast to rule out the day-date. A long walk in a scenic setting followed by lunch at an outdoor cafe can seal the deal for your second date!