Senior Dating: Tips for Finding Love in the New Year

GLENDALE, Calif., Dec. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With its unique challenges, seniors looking to enter the dating scene could use a road map.

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In a new article, MySilverAge.com outlines useful tips to help seniors overcome obstacles in their dating lives, focus on communication and branch out of their typical networks of friends.

1. Overcoming taboos—Some seniors are told it's not appropriate to have a boyfriend or girlfriend after the death of a spouse. But Amy Sherman—who wrote "99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50, & Yes, 60!"—believes seniors deserve the chance to date, have fun and reinvent themselves. "Tell people how you're feeling, why dating would be important to you and that you need someone to enhance your life," Sherman advises.

2. Meeting single seniors—Staying in the social comfort zone is important, but it's also wise to branch out a little. Attend community activities, dance classes, adult education classes or wine tastings. Try online dating. Consider shopping at a different grocery store or coffee shop, says April Braswell, senior dating expert at DatingAdvice.com. "Practice chatting with people so that saying 'Hello' becomes normal, not awkward," Braswell suggests.

3. Opening up—After years with the same partner, it can be daunting to connect emotionally and physically with someone new. The experience is different for everyone. Some people may be ready to date soon after the death of a spouse; others need to build their confidence again. In both cases, Braswell says it's important for seniors to honor the pace that feels right to them.

For more tips for older adults, download MySilverAge's free podcast on making friends and expanding social circles as a senior: www.mysilverage.com/socialcircle.

About MySilverAge
MySilverAge is a website and online resource center, brought to you by be.group, that is designed to help seniors enjoy "what's next." MySilverAge brings together thought leaders on the subject of successful aging, leading intelligence on healthy aging and senior living, and expert tips and advice for creating the home, community and relationships in which seniors can thrive.

About be.group
As one of California's largest nonprofit providers of senior living communities, be.group is committed to creating communities and services that make the lives of older adults more fulfilling. be.group's dedicated, well-trained staff is devoted to helping its residents and clients discover new ways to embrace life's possibilities and new options for exploring their potential. Follow @begroupliving on Twitter.

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SOURCE MySilverAge