Testimonials

Finding yourself suddenly single and faced with the prospect of dating again can be a minefield at any age-but the older you get the harder it can be. Chances are that you have been with the same partner for a very long time, and to then find yourself out there and looking for love is quite a daunting prospect.

Relationships break down and end for a number of reasons, from the death of a loved one to empty nest syndrome and couples just drifting apart over time, but whatever your situation, there is a solution to the single life, and chances are it is only a click away.

Family therapist Dr Terri Orbuch claims that dating online can be a "godsend" for over 50s looking for love, and urges people aged 50 plus to consider online dating as a way of providing another chance at love or meeting someone special.

She says that online services can allow over 50s to interact with a far wider variety of fellow singles than they would otherwise encounter during their everyday lives, and urges over 50s never to lose hope in their search for a partner, stating that it is never too late for them to find somebody.

She said: "Many older people believe in the concept of a soul mate and think they've already had their turn at love. That's absolutely not true."

More over 50s and single seniors are turning to online dating than any other age range and the 50-plus segment in the online dating world is the fastest growing.

It is a well known fact that the explosion in online over 50 dating over the last few years has made it easier and safer than ever to inject a little romance into our lives, and all from the safety, comfort and convenience of our own homes. Online dating and searching for love online can provide important social opportunities in busy times, but you do have to devote a bit of time and commitment to it in order for it to work properly, and make sure you manage your expectations too! It is unlikely but not unheard of, to meet your Mr or Miss Right within a couple of days so cast your net wide and don't rule people out just because they don't fit your requirements perfectly first time. Remember not to judge people on first impressions, but by the same token be honest and clear about the kind of person who you would like to meet and get to know.

So, the internet dating boom is out there just waiting for you but how do you go about creating that all important profile and making contact with some like-minded individuals?

Choose your internet dating site with caution and be a bit discerning. There are so many to choose from that it is easy to get overwhelmed by the options available to you. This is why dating for the over 50s provided by the Silver Surfers Guide is such a good idea for anyone over 50 whether you are searching for new friends, companionship or a relationship.

Who's online, instant messaging & video chat
Articles & newsletters
Mobile payments & SMS alerts
Blogs / diaries
Advanced searching including local postode search
Virtual gifts
Personality profiling with compatibility matching
Horoscopes

You can be guaranteed that online dating is a considerably safer way to meet people than at a bar for example, and everyone on the site will be in the right age bracket, therefore this gets your new dating career off to a flying start!

Creating your all important profile is the first step towards finding love online, and that's why it is so important that you write with honesty and integrity.

Online dating profiles should be honest and positive, and it is really worth spending some time thinking about what you want to say about yourself. Write it down on a piece of paper first and take time to piece together a profile before you go anywhere near your laptop! That way you can really think about your own requirements and put a profile together that has meaning, is honest and genuine. Be as positive as you can about your situation and try not to dwell on unhappy times that you have gone through. When we reach 50 we have a lot of baggage and past experiences to deal with and in time it is only right that these should be shared with the right person. Early on, however, be honest but as positive as possible as this is a far more attractive proposition for a potential new partner.

Profile photos are also really important when you date online and again honesty really is the best policy! Lines and wrinkles are a way of showing others that we have led a full life and been on a journey of many adventures-they are NOT something to be ashamed of! If you don't have a favourite or flattering photo then enlist the help of a good friend with a digital camera or decent camera phone to help you. The joy of digital photography is that you can have as many goes as you like until you are picture perfect!

More people in the UK are choosing to find love online than at any other time so competition to find an over 50s partner can be fierce! Mature dating is very different to the dating scene for twenty somethings, and internet dating has made it a lot easier to meet new people and give everyone a second chance of love and a lasting relationship, companionship or friendship. The dating service provided by Silver Surfers offers something for everyone aged 50 and over, even including advice on dressing for a date, so what are you waiting for? Go on! Get that profile written, upload your favourite photo and get online! Who knows the love of your life could just be a click away!