If you have ever wondered whether online dating is really for people our age, the latest research gives a clear answer. A survey published this month by AARP, the American organisation for people over 50, asked men and women aged 50 and over who had used a dating site or app in the past three years how they got on. The results are encouraging, honest about the downsides, and full of useful lessons for anyone in the UK thinking about dating again.
Not everyone is looking for the same thing
One of the most interesting findings is how evenly people's goals were split. Around four in ten wanted a long-term partner, and almost exactly the same number were after something more relaxed: casual dates, new company and the chance to meet interesting people.
That is worth remembering when you write your profile. There is no "right" reason to be here. Whether you hope to meet someone to share the years ahead with, or simply fancy a companion for Sunday lunch and good conversation, saying so plainly helps you find people who want the same.
The key findings at a glance
- 65% were satisfied with their online dating experience
- Around half of those looking for something serious were in a relationship or dating someone they met online
- About 1 in 5 long-term seekers had been in a serious relationship for more than three months
- Nearly 6 in 10 would recommend their dating site to a friend
Half of those seeking love have already found someone
For a group often told that dating gets harder with age, that is a hopeful picture. The other half had not found their match yet, which is a reminder that patience matters. Good connections tend to come from steady, relaxed effort rather than a frantic week of messaging.
Just over half of those surveyed had paid for a premium membership. The people who felt it was worthwhile pointed to being able to see full profiles, send unlimited messages and focus on verified members.
The one thing to keep in mind: scams
The less cheerful finding was that four in ten people had come across a fake profile or someone trying to scam them. Some said worry about scams had put them off joining a dating site at all.
The same concern applies here in the UK. Figures released by Lloyds Banking Group in September show romance scam reports among its customers rose by about a quarter over the past year. Reports are rising fastest among younger adults, but people over 65 accounted for more than half of the money lost, and the highest average losses were among those aged 75 to 84.
None of this is a reason to stay away from online dating. It is simply a reason to date with your eyes open, in the same way you lock your front door without worrying about it every day.
The golden rule: never send money, gift cards or cryptocurrency to someone you have not met in person, however genuine their story sounds.
Our wise owl tips for dating safely
- Take things at your own pace. Someone who declares deep feelings within days, or pushes to move the conversation away from the dating site quickly, deserves extra caution.
- Watch out for the "emergency". Sudden medical bills, travel costs or an investment that cannot be missed are classic warning signs.
- Check the photos. A free reverse image search, such as Google Lens, can show whether a profile picture appears elsewhere online under another name.
- Keep personal details private. Do not share bank details, passwords, ID documents or private photos with someone whose identity you cannot confirm.
- Talk it over. If something feels wrong, mention it to a friend or relative. A second opinion is one of the best scam-stoppers there is.
- Meet somewhere public. When you are ready to meet, choose a busy café or pub, tell someone where you are going and arrange your own way home.
If you think you have been targeted, contact your bank straight away and report it to Report Fraud at reportfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040. In Scotland, call Police Scotland on 101. For more advice, read our practical dating safety guide.
The bottom line
The research tells a positive story. Over-50s are using dating sites in their own way, most are glad they did, and many are finding exactly what they hoped for, whether that is lasting love or simply good company. With a few sensible habits, you can enjoy meeting new people with real peace of mind. If you are just starting out, our guide to senior dating in the UK is a good place to begin.
Sources
AARP, Online Dating Survey 2026, published 23 October 2026 (survey of US adults aged 50+). IBTimes UK, Lloyds romance scam data, published 26 September 2026.
© 2026 Wise Owl Dating. You are free to reuse this article, in whole or in part, provided you credit Wise Owl Dating as the source and include a link to www.wiseowldating.co.uk. This permission covers the article text only, not photographs or our logo. The article is published under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.
About the author: Ernie S writes news, views and lighter pieces for Wise Owl Dating, the UK dating site for the over 50s and part of the Cafe Dating Collection.