That tool of dating sites, the Personality Test, helps you find someone compatible.

Thanks to modern medicine and technology, seniors are living longer these days and that means many are looking for more ways to connect and enjoy life. The Internet makes this possible in new ways that we never had before. For example, did you know that more seniors are using the Internet as a way to keep in touch with adult children and even their grandchildren and great-grandchildren?

Here are some other benefits seniors are finding to computers and the Internet:

• It’s cheaper to keep in touch via the Internet than calling long distance or taking trips to visit
• Computers are easier to use than ever before, even if you’re not too tech-savvy
• Computers now come with larger screens and magnifying capabilities so you can see even if your vision is weaker
• You can pay your bills online
• You can buy your groceries online
• You can purchase tickets or airline flights online
• You can look up and connect with old friends from school, business, the military, etc
• You can share photos and view the photos of other friends and family

These are just a few of the ways that seniors are finding the Internet and computers useful. It’s also a way to market and sell your hobbies. For example, if you knit or crochet, you might sell your creations on Etsy for some extra cash.

With all this into consideration, is it really any surprise that seniors are also getting into the online dating scene? Some seniors who are widowed or divorced and find themselves lonely are making the choice to seek friendship through online dating sites. It’s a huge market and there are many great ways for seniors to get involved.

Online Dating for Seniors

Now let’s explore another option that is gaining in popularity but that a lot of seniors still aren’t familiar with- online senior dating. More and more seniors are turning to the Internet and online dating sites to help them find their next partner. Some may find this a little surprising and there may still be a few reluctant seniors out there but when you think about it, this makes perfect sense. What better way is it to meet new people?

As a senior citizen, you may not be able to drive yourself to places where you can meet other people your age and even if you could, there’s not that many places around to go. When you get there, the number of eligible single partners available is going to be very slim. This makes it hard to find someone to date.

When you join an online dating site for seniors, there are hundreds or thousands of possibilities. This  greatly increases the odds of you meeting someone that you could begin a relationship with that might even turn into something permanent. The way Internet dating is viewed is much different than it was just a few years ago. It’s no longer frowned upon but embraced as a great way to meet someone new to go out with. More importantly, it’s smart, successful people using the Internet and these dating sites to find someone to date so you can meet good people.

Senior Dating Sites for Finding Friends

Maybe you’re not looking for a romantic partner exactly but you do want to make some new friends. Senior dating sites are actually good for this as well and some sites are set up specifically to create a friendly environment where you can gather, socialize and become friends.

Look for a dating site that has a great online community where you can meet other seniors who want to make new friends. When you’re sitting at home alone and no one to talk to, you can hop online and see who else is on. You can talk to others through several different methods depending on which site you’re using.

There are also a number of sites that can be used to meet others through social settings. If you don’t want to jump right into internet dating, considering signing up with a site like MeetUp.com which offers a wide variety of groups that participate in activities from playing board games and going to movies to walking and hiking and much more. This is an excellent way to use the internet and meet friends who have common interests.

Learn How to Use the Internet and How to Type

If you are a senior who has not spent a lot of time on the Internet or computers, then now is your time to learn more about how to type and how to use the programs and equipment on your computer. There are a lot of features that can make using the computer easy.

If you plan on online dating, you may want to brush up on your typing skills, especially if you are a very slow typist. You don’t want to leave the other person hanging a long time on a chat because you are trying to find the keys.

Many communities offer internet and computer courses through their local senior center, if you think you might need some help with the basics. Once you get started you’ll likely find it easy to learn.

Setting up an Online Dating Profile

When setting up your online dating profile, keep in mind that you’ll want to stand out from the rest by setting up a unique user name. Think about the qualities you’ll want to project, but be sure it doesn’t insinuate anything sexual or you’ll attract the wrong kind of dates!

Be sure to use a current photo that shows you looking your best. This is what will initially attract people to you, of course, and you want to make sure that you look like the photograph, not a representation of who you were a decade ago. Make sure your face and entire body are clearly shown, and try to project a warm and friendly image.

Before you begin to write about yourself, you might want to review other profiles to get an idea of what to write. Be honest, but it’s okay and expected for you to take a positive spin. Coming across as a negative person is likely to turn others off quickly.

Making connections

You’ve got your profile is set up and you’re ready to begin, what’s next? When initially making an online connection it’s important to take some time to get to know the person. Ask lots of questions and if you get a strange feeling about the person, know that your intuition is usually right and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Once you’ve determined a person seems honest and could be a potential match, you’ll want to move to the next step of speaking with them on the telephone.

A phone conversation and a person’s voice may reveal traits you weren’t aware of in your email conversations. Continue to ask personal questions and verify any inconsistencies. Never provide your financial information or too many details on your physical location. Don’t waste your time with someone who is dishonest, it isn’t worth the risk.

Once you’ve made the decision to meet, be sure to make your personal introductions in a public place. Tell a friend where and when you will be going, and if possible, have the friend call you on your cell phone about 10-15 minutes after your meeting time. If it doesn’t go well it can provide a good excuse to leave quickly.

Remember, you’re never too old to date, and don’t fear the internet, it has connected hundreds of thousands of people across the planet and many of those meetings leading to successful real life relationships!