There is nothing wrong with living alone after moving for retirement. You can come and go as you please, watch what you want on TV, and make all decisions yourself. You can also enjoy a rich social life with close friends and family, travel, or have hobbies.
Still, there may be times when you feel that something is missing. And it’s not just your fancy. Research shows that the thrill of romance benefits your health and well-being.
So, if you are thinking “Why bother dating after 50?”, think again. This is a great time for singles over 50 to explore new relationships and possibilities in a new place. When you step into the dating scene with the right mindset, you will have an invigorating and enriching experience. That special person may be just around the corner. In the meantime, enjoy the journey and new location you moved to!
Read on to find some tips and guidelines on moving and dating after 50, and dating in retirement.
The best dating advice after 50 is that famous maxim: it’s never too late to find love. Or move to your dream location. These simple dos and don'ts of dating after 50 (but also moving after 50) may help you in case you still feel anxious or intimidated.
Do: Focus on self-care and self-love. Before diving into the dating world, take care of yourself. This means investing time and energy into your well-being. Taking care of yourself can boost your self-confidence and make you feel more attractive and desirable.
Do: Know what you want. Be clear about what you want in a relationship. Are you looking for a long-term commitment or just companionship and casual dating? Knowing what you want can help you find compatible partners and avoid wasting time on relationships that do not meet your needs.
Do: Communicate honestly. Be open and honest about your feelings and expectations. Listen to your partner, ask questions, and welcome any feedback. Communication and honesty can build a strong foundation for a successful relationship.
Do: Be open-minded. It is natural to have preferences when it comes to dating but try to remain open-minded and flexible. Many of us become set in our ways, which can limit the dating pool. Be open to dating people who may not fit your typical type. You might be surprised by who you connect with and what you discover about yourself.
Do: Take it slow (or don’t). Building a relationship takes time. Don't feel pressured to rush into a serious commitment. On the other hand, taking things too slowly can hinder building a meaningful connection. If you are interested in someone, take the first step. Initiate contact or suggest a first date.
Don’t: Dwell on the Past. Save the talk about your past for later. On your first date, focus on the present and try to gauge what you have in common, like films, TV shows, favorite authors, hobbies, and activities. Above all, don’t bad-mouth your ex (or exes).
Don’t: Involve family and friends. Introduce your new partner to your friends and family only after you feel confident that the relationship has a strong foundation and a promising future.
Don’t: Let rejection bring you down. Being rejected by the person you are attracted to is devastating at any age. It is even more stressful for people over 50, who may already feel insecure and emotionally vulnerable. In a situation like that, take some time to reflect on why things didn't work out. Then move on. With so many singles over 50, there is a match for everyone. The fact that someone turned you down does not make you any less lovable.
Don’t: Give up. Finding the right one is never easy, and it gets more difficult after 50. It may take you weeks or even months. But don’t look at that time as wasted. Instead, enjoy meeting new people and be patient.
After moving to your new retirement location, you may want to begin your search for romance. You may find yourself with much time on your hands, which makes one more reason to date when you retire. However, dating after divorce at 50, or after the loss of a partner, can be overwhelming. You may want to give yourself time to heal. Start dating in retirement when you feel comfortable with the idea of letting somebody new into your life.
Retirement can be a time of exploration and discovery. Do not hesitate to try new activities in a new place and experience what you may not have considered before. This can include traveling or moving to a new place, taking up a new hobby, enrolling in a dance class, or trying out new restaurants and cuisines. By embracing new experiences, you may meet interesting people and increase your chances of finding a compatible partner.
If you are considering moving into a retirement village, know that these communities usually provide a suitable environment to meet new people and find a romantic partner. Participate in social activities and events, such as exercise classes, game nights, and parties, and look out for a kindred soul.
While dating in a retirement village can be an exciting and rewarding experience, be mindful of boundaries and respect the privacy and dignity of your fellow residents. This may mean being discreet about your dating life or avoiding dating people already in committed relationships.
Online dating after 50 has become quite popular. It can be a great way to connect with a partner who shares your interests and values. However, always use common-sense caution. Online dating has some potential drawbacks, such as the risk of misrepresentation.
Online dating after 50 is particularly convenient if you have a limited social circle or difficulty meeting people in person. Over 50 dating sites will allow you to browse through profiles, send messages, and even video chat with prospective matches in the comfort of your home.
Many online dating sites and apps are tailored specifically for adults over 50. Use reputable dating after 50 apps and websites, and be cautious when sharing personal information online.
Here are some of the best dating apps for singles over 50:
Perhaps you already have a special someone living far away? And now you are contemplating relocating to be close to your long-distance partner.
Moving home for love is a big decision, as it may involve leaving behind familiar surroundings, friends, and routines. However, it can also offer a chance to start a new chapter in life and to enjoy the company of the loved one.
The decision to relocate for romantic love is personal, and you should carefully weigh the pros and cons.
When you are about to start a new chapter in your life, you will want to minimize the stress associated with moving. The support and expertise AARP® Moving Services powered by Shyft provides will help you manage the challenges of relocating if you are single and moving after 50, whether for love or another reason.
Shyft organizes your move with minimal stress for you. The whole process is arranged online or by phone, and when the deal is sealed, a moving truck arrives at your residence.
To keep track of what remains to be done and what has been done, ask for the handy Shyft moving checklist. Then print it and start ticking off item by item.
The next step is to download the Shyft Next app, available for iPhone and Android devices. The app allows your assigned Shyft representative, called Move Coach, to see and note everything you want to move.
Then schedule a video call with your Move Coach online or by calling 1-888-501-3181.
During the 30-minute long video call, you will take your dedicated Move Coach around your home. You’ll show them what you want to move with the camera on your device. You will also be able to discuss your options and ask questions.
After the video call, Move Coach will send you an inventory list with all items that need to be moved. The list is typically about 95% accurate. You can add or remove items until you make it 100% accurate.
And that’s it as far as taking stock of your moving inventory goes! The steps that follow are just as stress-free.
Your completed inventory list goes to a secure Shyft platform, where vetted professional moving companies submit their offers. This process ensures that you get competitive prices from reliable movers.
You will receive at least three top quotes to choose the mover that suits your needs and budget. When you accept a quote, the price is locked and cannot be changed unless you add or remove items, alter the move distance, or fail to book your move before the quote expiry date. You can rest assured that there won’t be any surprise additional fees.
Your Move Coach will send the moving truck and organize your move door-to-door smoothly and worry-free. At any stage, you may contact your Move Coach with questions or concerns. You can rely on personal support every step of the way. Shyft is there for you seven days a week.
As an AARP member, you get an exclusive discount of up to $250 for every move, no matter how many times you decide to move and where you decide to move to.
You can learn more about AARP Moving Services powered by Shyft on the website, or call 1-888-501-3181 to book your move.
