News
2 August, 2024
Why age is just a date
Age is just a number when it comes to dating and seniors should not give up on companionship, no matter their age.
While a topic some might find taboo or stigmatised, seniors do still look for love and companionship after the death of a partner, a divorce or by choice of remaining single.
An outspoken example of this is Bribie Island resident Pam Darby, who put a personal ad in The Sentinel looking for someone to provide friendship, company and fun.
Ms Darby is a widow in her 70’s who “still has a lot of life left ”.
“I want someone to join me on lunches, festivals, concerts and just be good company,” she said.
Despite being very open about what she wants, Ms Darby does worry people may think badly of her, due to the stigma attached to older dating.
“I don’t want people thinking I’m a gold digger or anything because I do pretty good on my own. I just want companionship to join me on adventures,” she said.
Caboolture Senior Citizens Club treasurer, Joan Hartland, said she also notices some stigma attached to the idea of seniors dating, particularly from friends and family.
“It’s not in every case, but you can see it in some cases,” she said.
Ms Hartland said she has seen it happen at the club before, with some of their members connecting, but it is often unintentional.
“Seniors want to connect more, both socially and romantically, and I think when it does happen that they get together, they are not looking for it,” she said.
“It often comes after they form friendships, which is why joining a club or community groups is a great way to meet people.”
According to a 2018 dating report by Australian Seniors, ‘The Australian Seniors Series - Dating and Romance’, seniors hoping to date typically meet people through friends or online.
“Although some dating seniors say they have never used dating services, many have used online dating sites and to a lesser extent, have attended social events for singles and used mobile dating apps,” the report says.
“Most believe older generations prefer to fall in love through more traditional ways of dating than through dating apps or websites and that one cannot get to know people properly online.”
The report also highlighted how seniors still look for physical intimacy, with most still considering themselves sexually active or wishing they were.
“Nearly all dating Australian seniors think getting older should not stop someone from exploring their sexuality, while most believe it is more common for seniors to come out as non-heterosexual and seniors are more accepting non-heterosexual seniors than they used to be,” the report said.
“Many dating Australian seniors cite companionship, love and physical intimacy as their key hopes and have anticipated starting a serious relationship with someone when they started dating again.”
In the end seniors should not hold themselves back and should not submit to loneliness, still being able to enjoy companionship, friendship and relationships.
To view the full report visit https://www.seniors.com.au/documents/australianseniors-modern-datingreport.pdf
For more information about the Caboolture Senior Citizens Club contact 0430 060 550 or come in for a cuppa at 24 Hasking Street, Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 11.30am.
