LOVE AFTER TURNING 50
New event for mature daters
On Feb. 2, 21 professionals over the age of 50 met at the U of S University Club. They weren’t there for networking, but rather to meet other singles in Saskatoon.
Organizer Denise Balcaen was really happy with how the first meeting of the Professional Singles Over 50 went. The wine tasting promoted mingling by encouraging people to take a different seat each time they returned with a new glass.
“It was a little tense at first because people that came with someone else were kind of wanting to feel safe and hang out with their friends. Once everyone got mixed it was really awesome,” Balcaen said. “It’s like musical chairs but not as juvenile.”
About halfway through the evening she and a friend who helped organize looked at the room and saw everyone mingling, animated and happy.
“I think the wine helped a little bit,” Balcaen said with a laugh.
The group will meet again on Feb. 25 for a supper event. Balcaen said more than 50 people have already signed up.
In 2017, online dating is a huge business, with sites catering to people of different backgrounds, interests and ages. Balcaen has been single for several years. She tried online dating, but found it time-consuming and disappointing.
“It’s very difficult to make a real connection with someone on a computer. I found a good majority of people don’t represent themselves accurately,” she said.
She said it’s difficult to meet people of the opposite sex when you’re older, especially since people get so busy with their own lives. She has great family and friends, but believes people are meant to be in couples.
She saw a need for an event where older singles could meet in person, away from the online dating world. Professional Singles Over 50 isn’t set up like a matchmaking service, but rather to encourage interaction in a comfortable space.
Though the first mixer was well attended, Balcaen admitted it can be challenging to attract men to singles events. The wine tasting attracted 17 women and four men.
“It was supposed to be six men but two of them jammed out at the last minute,” she said with a laugh. “In this age category that’s typical. It’s definitely out of the guys’ comfort zone.”
At the initial event, the women in attendance polled the men to ask what might attract more to take part. Some of the suggestions were snooker, beer and wings. When they get together later this month, they’ll take a vote on what to do next. There are more men signed up to attend the Feb. 25 event.
She said she’s not sure if there are any sparks flying yet among participants. Balcaen will be happy if people form romantic partnerships or just friendships. She sees dating events for older adults as a growing market.
“There are lots of people like that in Saskatoon,” she said, adding it’s nice to find a place where everyone is in the same boat.