TODAY Show Features Hal Spielman, Author of Suddenly Solo

NEW YORK, May 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- This morning's TODAY Show featured senior relationship expert, Hal Spielman, 86, author of Suddenly Solo, A Lifestyle Road Map for the Mature Widowed or Divorced Man. The informative, frank and funny book, co-authored with Marc Silbert, is based upon comprehensive interviews and surveys of 1600 widowed or divorced men and women, age 55 and over. Spielman conducted the studies after his wife of 32 years died, as he sought guidance on how to live and love again after loss. The book, filled with myth-busting statistics, humorous vignettes and sound advice, is available on Amazon.com and www.suddenlysolo.org.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130529/FL21311 )

"The over 55 demographic is exploding and providing them with the coping mechanisms to survive loss/separation and get back to leading happy, social lives again is vital to their well-being," said Spielman. "As a mature man, I could not find any information to help me, so I went about creating my own guide."

Spielman, the founder of the marketing research firm, McCollum Spielman Worldwide, used his business expertise to gather unprecedented insights into the mature man's experiences coping with loss, rebuilding a daily routine, relearning how to socialize as a solo, dating dilemmas, new sex partners, adult children's reactions to new relationships and more.  

A few of Spielman's insights:

• Know the 5/3 rule. Men consider having sex on the third date; women not until at least the fifth. Give her time.
• Give it a chance. 87% of women and 89% of men believe "chemistry" can develop over time.
• But always be prepared. Condoms and a discreet overnight bag are vital.
• Keep a dating dossier if you play the field, which divorcees do more than widowers. Keep names, dates and personal talking points listed. We are getting older!

While the book is written for mature men, it has gained a devoted female following because of the often surprising statistics that reveal what men really desire in a partner. A man's need for shared experiences, what they look for in a woman's appearance, and what role sex plays in their relationships are all topics that have stirred considerable internet chatter. 

For Spielman, his research has become an invaluable tool for boomers and seniors nationwide, who are learning from his book and his ASK HAL advice column on his website, www.suddenlysolo.org.

SOURCE Hal Spielman