25 ways the over-50s can still be a catch

. . .YES, YOU NEED YOUR OWN TEETH AND HAIR

SINGLE over-50s can still be a good catch – just as long as they have paid off the mortgage, can cook a Sunday lunch, haven’t married more than twice... and have their own teeth.

The encouraging news – from a survey of what older singletons look for in a partner – offers hope to those who might have thought they were on the scrapheap.

A good sense of humour tops the list of the best assets, with 60 per cent of those taking part saying it was what they sought most.

Other factors that make someone over 50 more alluring include being well-read and having your own hair (both 21 per cent), as well as being up to speed on current affairs (16 per cent).

The poll from Ourtime, a dating service for single over-50s, found a third wanted a partner who was in good shape, 30 per cent were looking for someone with a lust for life, 32 per cent wanted to find someone who still had their own teeth and 11 per cent would only date someone who owned their home outright.

The study also revealed how much

‘Honesty is hugely important’

older singles cared about the environment, with 21 per cent saying they wouldn’t consider a relationship with someone who didn’t recycle, 16 per cent were looking for someone who cared passionately about the planet. And although it didn’t make the top25, 4 per cent would date only a vegan or vegetarian. Putting aside people’s dating musthaves, 75 per cent of those polled said they were more discerning than they had ever been, with 86 per cent insisting they would rather be single than date someone who wasn’t right, while 86 per cent said they were more confident in themselves than when they were younger. Overall, 80 per cent said they were less likely to put up with someone who didn’t treat them with respect. The study also found that most respondents had a never-say-die attitude, with 59 per cent determined not to give up trying to find the right person. Some 69 per cent said they had kissed too many frogs and were now looking for a prince or princess. Perhaps the best news is that 59 per cent thought people got more attractive with age.

Joanna Pons of Ourtime, which conducted the research of 1,000 Britons aged over 50, said: ‘It’s great to see that over-50s daters are discerning when it comes to finding love.

‘They want someone with shared interests and passions, someone who cares about the environment and of course honesty and transparency is hugely important.’