Too Old to Date? - Dating Tips for Seniors

I am in a position to see many seniors enter the dating scene. Obviously, for most seniors, heading out to rock concerts, rock climbing, or any overly taxing physical activity is not a good plan. You want to be able to enjoy the date and still be mobile for the next few days. So, the best dating for mature adults should include a more relaxing but still interesting outing.

The types of activities available can be rather varied. The dinner out is a good beginning place because many seniors are no longer interested in cooking a huge meal and cleaning up. A nice meal in a quiet restaurant can furnish plenty of time and the atmosphere for getting acquainted. You can tell your stories and listen to his or hers. It can be a time, if you have some common history, to catch up on families and old friends. Personally, I recommend two or three such dates before venturing into more activity oriented dates.

There are many activities available that will still leave you feeling fine tomorrow. If the weather is nice, don't overlook a walk through a quiet neighborhood or a nice park. In most cities, the zoo is still a fun place to go. It offers interesting things to see and plenty of diversions if the conversation lags. If you're still in good shape overall, you might go for golf if both of you like it. Many seniors still like a good night of bowling. If you have a lake nearby, rent a small boat and take a ride or go for a paddle. Whatever you choose, make sure you laugh a lot. Make fun of people or things, and just have a good time.

One mistake that many seniors make in dating is they assume that they know all that is necessary about the other person too soon. They feel the push of time and loneliness. This can lead to premature decisions to tie the knot. Take your time. Everyone knows that you're not getting younger. You don't have to use that as your excuse to jump into a bad relationship.

Any way that you look at it, you have time. If your health is such that you fear dying before you can get married, then why do you want to do that to someone that you care about. If you're healthy, you can enjoy the chase like a younger person would before settling down. I have seen too many seniors either become martyrs to a bad relationship or go through the pain of divorce because they rushed the dating phase of the relationship.

I cannot emphasize enough that you need to talk. If the relationship moves down a serious path, talk about your expectations in your home. Does the man expect to be waited on and have a woman to take care of him? How about money? Is it going to be his, hers, or ours? Who gets it when you die? Are all possessions held together, or can you give that car to your daughter without a fight?

Don't leave out sex. Many seniors are still active in this area. However, some have packed it on mothballs a long time ago. Also, you need to discuss what you like and dislike, as well as, what you will and won't do. It can seem touchy to talk about, but later it will be much worse if you are already married. Most seniors are pretty set in this area. If you're not compatible, good discussions will uncover it.

Religion is another sticking point in senior relationships. I say don't date anyone that isn't your same type of religion and level of religious commitment. Like any other age group, religion can be a huge problem if you are not compatible in this area. If one goes to church three times per week and the other stays home, they will fight over it, eventually. Don't sweep this under the rug and figure you can take care of it later.

Seniors are like teenagers. They assume that they know too much too soon. It doesn't seem to matter if seniors are just becoming acquainted or are long time friends. A rushed dating period always spells disaster. Map it out. Get it in writing. Cover yourself before you say, "I do." If you don't, all of your good intentions won't be able to make you happy. If you uncover several problem areas, move on to someone else. It's just the right thing to do.