LemonSwan survey: what matters to singles aged 50+ when looking for a partner
Hamburg, September 30, 2020. Is your love life over when you turn 50? Absolutely not!
Singles aged 50 and over simply have different expectations when it comes to finding a partner than they might have had in their twenties or thirties – this is confirmed by half of the respondents to an online survey conducted by the online dating agency LemonSwan, which surveyed more than 790 users aged 50 and over*. Almost 90 percent of users stated that they know what they want when it comes to finding a partner: on the one hand, 58 percent believe that love is part of a fulfilling life, while on the other hand, great importance is attached to independence: around half of all members stated that time for themselves has become more important. However, common ground in a partnership is also valued: 43 percent of respondents now pay more attention to shared interests when looking for a partner.
What is important to singles over 50 in their relationship?
For singles over 50, a good relationship is primarily characterized by honesty
(78 percent), affectionate treatment (77 percent), tenderness (66 percent), and having fun together (65 percent). In contrast to the past, the expectations of members have changed: 42 percent now consider personality to be more important than appearance. One in two says that their partner should also be more of a confidant or friend. For one third (30 percent), a long-distance relationship is no longer a problem.
In general, singles over 50 are much more independent: they do not necessarily have to share their everyday life and worries with their partner (according to 25 percent) and attach particular importance to financial independence (21 percent). However, physical intimacy should not be neglected: for 57 percent of those surveyed, sex is an important part of a good relationship. For almost one in five, good sex has become even more important than in the past.
Even though love remains an important part of life, 75 percent of singles aged 50 and over are looking for love on the internet because they find it increasingly difficult to meet someone in everyday life. Around one-third (31 percent) said they had been looking for the right partner for several years.
One in two believes that it becomes more difficult to find someone when you are over 50. In contrast, 27 percent think that it depends more on the individual than on age.
One-third of singles aged 50+ are proactive and open-minded when it comes to online dating
But even though finding a partner seems to have become more difficult for many, online singles over 50 are very active in their search on LemonSwan: almost one-third (28 percent) log into their online profile several times a day. Almost 40 percent are active several times a week.
Members aged 50+ take a proactive approach: only 23 percent are rather reserved and prefer to be contacted directly, while 39 percent say they actively contact interesting profiles. However, it doesn't always have to be the dream profile: a third are rather curious and open-minded and are willing to exchange messages even if the other single doesn't necessarily meet their expectations at first glance.
But how can you score points with people looking for a partner online?
First impressions count: 63 percent value an appealing profile or good looks. Shared interests (60 percent) and a friendly welcome message (54 percent) are almost as important. 42 percent consider similar leisure activities or hobbies to be a positive factor. Social or financial status is relatively unimportant: only one tenth consider it important.
Methodology:
Online survey of 793 users (54 percent of whom are women) of the platform between
September 18 and 20, 2020. 24 percent of respondents are already retired, 49 percent are employees, and 17 percent are self-employed.
About LemonSwan
LemonSwan is a dating agency for long-term relationships that aims to make online dating more enjoyable, especially for women. Founded in 2017 by Arne Kahlke and Paul Uhlig and based in Hamburg, the company uses a scientifically based personality test, the LemonSwan® method, to provide tailor-made partner suggestions. The trademark of the young company is the swan—because these animals are faithful to their partners for life. For more information, visit www.lemonswan.com
LemonSwan press team:
