Love of your life
A survey by eharmony found that, among the over-50 daters, 13 per cent expect companionship, 20 per cent expected a long-term commitment and 12 per cent were looking for marriage. Nearly a fifth, 16 per cent, were simply happy meeting like-minded people for dates.
GET PHYSICAL, BUT STAY SENSITIVE In a new relationship, it’s important to have a good love life, even if you are a little older, but be understanding of each other’s moods and limitations. DON’T LET HISTORY SPOIL THE PRESENT We all have past romances, so don’t let that ruin the present or the future.
SILVER surfers Stella and Peter Ansell found love online in their later years.
The couple met online and both Stella, 77, and Peter, 80, would recommend it to anyone who is considering meeting a new companion.
Stella was encouraged by a friend who had recently got divorced and, together, they signed up for eharmony.
And after filling out her details and preferences, she made a connection with Peter. That was nine years ago and they are now happily married and loving life together.
But when their first date was postponed due to them both being unwell, their second one became make or break because of treacherous weather and the pub where they were due to meet being closed for a refurb.
Stella said: “I decided if Peter arrived and didn’t laugh at the situation, with the pub being closed for refurbishment and the roads being so icy, then I would not see him again.
“But I am happy to say that he just smiled, shrugged his shoulders and said, ‘Right, we had better find somewhere else, then.’ ”
Their next date saw the couple head to London and it was then that they made the decision to become exclusive. Stella, from Sussex, went on: “As Peter walked me to the station, I asked if he was seeing anyone else. He said he was and, I have to admit, my heart sank a little on the train journey home.
“But then he called and said he would like to stop seeing the other woman in question and, from that moment, we became an item. To be honest, we were happy as we were but then at our joint birthday party, Peter popped the question and, in front of our family and friends, we became engaged.”
Online is now the second most common place to meet a partner, the first being through a mutual friend. And 15 per cent of eharmony’s current registered users are over 50.
New research reveals one in six people over 50 have used online dating services to find love, up 50 per cent in the past 10 years.
While most mature daters seek long-term relationships, one in eight admit online dating services make it easier to find a sexual partner.
According to research from eharmony, which questioned 1800 over-50s about their dating habits, this category has doubled (eight to 16 per cent) since 2010, with a high percentage of mature singles returning to the scene following a divorce.
Peter admits he found the process of finding a partner online quite a fun way to do it but admits it’s not for everyone.
He said: “With online dating, I would say you have to be patient and go through it all, as the more information you give then the better match you will make.
“I had met a few women and it was nice to meet them but, when I met Stella, we just got on so well and I could see myself having a future with her.”