AARP launches dating site, online channel
Inspired by the number of people 50 and older looking to get back into the dating scene, AARP has launched its own dating site and has also released the results of a survey on senior dating.
The new service gives older adults a chance to date in a way that resonates with what they know: going out on dates.
Debuting with AARP’s dating service is a new dating content channel on the AARP Website, aarp.org, that provides visitors with tools, resources and expert advice on modern dating and relationships, including two new dating experts.
“More and more 50-plus singles are using Internet dating sites, and we want to provide a comfortable environment for them to get out and take a chance on love again or go on fun dates,” said Myrna Blyth, editorial director of AARP’s media division.
Blyth said the site not only offers a place to meet people but supports them in their efforts, with advice, useful articles and an online singles community where they can connect with each other and share their own experiences and advice.
The AARP Dating site can be accessed at dating.aarp.org.
After creating a profile on AARP Dating, members will say “How about we ...” and post an idea for a date they want to go on. AARP Dating will also allow users to browse nearby date ideas and message other members.
According to the justreleased AARP online dating survey, older adults are the fastest-growing segment of online-dating service users, and adults 50 and older show that older Americans are not only open to dating online, but 48 percent are looking for a serious relationship, 26 percent are seeking friendship/ and 14 percent of respondents say they are using online dating for casual dating.
AARP conducted an online survey of 1,000 single adults age 50 or older over a fiveday period in October 2012 to gauge their views on dating and see what’s driving them to or away from online dating.
The top three reasons why people over 50 have tried an online dating site are:
They are able to meet a broader range of people (23 percent)
There is no pressure/they don’t have to reply or talk to people they don’t want to (20 percent)
A friend recommended it (14 percent)
The survey also found that men are significantly more likely to say that online dating does not fit their lifestyle compared to women (27 percent versus 13 percent), and women are significantly more likely to say it is too risky to talk to strangers online compared to men (16 percent versus 7 percent).
Complete survey results can be found online at aarp.org/home- family/dating/info12-2012/online-dating-sitessurvey.