(Source: McClatchy/Tribune)
Many folks over 50 are still unsure about trying online dating, despite the fact that their younger counterparts have all but discarded any squeamishness about meeting people through the internet.
Dating site OurTime.com caters to single people over 50, which, according to the 2010 U.S. Census data, is 30 percent of the 78 million Baby Boomers.
To help people over 50 get into the pool, so to speak, OurTime.com turned to their official relationship expert, Dr. Gail Saltz, to debunk the myths about online dating.
"Many singles over 50 are either afraid to get back into the dating game or believe there is still a stigma attached to online dating," said Dr. Saltz. "Not only is this one of the most fulfilling times of a person's life, finding a companion to share it with is easier than you might think -- especially if you use online dating to your advantage."
Myth: "Most single people are much younger than me it's much harder to find people my age."
Truth: The truth is that there are many more potential mates out there than people think. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, almost 30 percent of the 78 million Baby Boomers are single. Every day, thousands of those single Boomers venture online to find companionship. And unlike the average social event or stroll through the grocery store, everyone in an online dating setting is single and looking to meet someone.
Myth: "I should wait to join a dating site until I'm ready to get married again."
Truth: The 50-plus singles polled in a recent national survey tend to be less interested in marriage than they are in companionship and long-term relationships. Helping to relieve the pressure to marry is the fact that singles in this stage of life are generally free of the expectations of child rearing and career advancement. This allows them to approach dating from a more relaxed perspective. Their main objective is simply to live life to the fullest, and to find someone to share the good times with.
Myth: "Online dating is risky."
Truth: Dr. Saltz tells singles that whether they met online or in the real world, keeping a few simple tips in mind will ensure a safe and positive experience. For starters, always meet in public and drive yourself to and from the first few meetings; tell a friend about your plans for the date; Google your date's name in advance to see what comes up; limit your drinking and don't do anything that would impair your judgment; and finally, listen to your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, just move on. The right person for you is out there somewhere.
Myth: "Online dating is expensive and takes a lot of time and energy."
Truth: Some of its main advantages are that online dating is efficient, convenient and cost-effective. This allows you to expand your pool of potential matches and be in control of when, where and how you meet other singles. Membership costs at OurTime.com average less than $5 dollars per week.
Myth: "People will judge me if they know I am dating online."
Truth: These days, everyone knows someone who met their mate online. And the results are often extremely positive: one in five new relationships and one in six new marriages began with an internet date. In the last year, the number of dating site users 50 years of age or older has grown twice as rapidly as any other age group. The OurTime.com community has experienced astonishing membership growth in the last two years. Almost 10,000 people join each day. Friends and family will be thrilled to learn that you are actively seeking companionship, in a new way that works for you.
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