Singles over 50: What's important now when looking for a partner

Singles over 50 can no longer find true love? Far from it. LemonSwan conducted a Germany-wide survey of over 800 members aged 50+ to find out their attitudes toward finding a partner. The results show that the 50+ generation is surprisingly active and open-minded. Their requirements for a relationship have changed over the years, and they now know exactly what they want:

Many people find it more difficult to find a partner after the age of 50

More than half (54 percent) of the singles surveyed say that they find it more difficult to find a partner after the age of 50. Female singles (49 percent) generally seem to find it easier than male singles (58 percent).

While younger people tend to travel a lot and meet many new people through changing places of residence, jobs, and friends, 76 percent of those over 50 say that it is more difficult for them to meet someone in their everyday lives. It does not matter whether the respondents are still working or already retired.

Almost half of all singles in our survey have been looking for a new love for a year or more. For this reason, more and more older singles are trying online dating services to find the love of their life.

Singles over 50 are surprisingly active and open

Singles over 50 are surprisingly active when it comes to online dating. Around 40 percent visit their online profile several times a week, and a third even do so daily. Male singles are slightly more active than female singles in this regard. Less than 20 percent of members are active on LemonSwan less than once a week.

The approach to getting to know a potential new partner varies from single to single, with the majority being quite open and receptive to the topic. Forty percent of all respondents take the initiative themselves, looking through the suggested profiles and writing to those they find interesting. Singles over 50 are not very prejudiced in this regard.

Their experience has taught them that people can often make a completely different impression at second glance. That's why a third of respondents would also exchange messages with someone who didn't really impress them at first glance.

But not all singles take such a proactive approach. Around a quarter of all singles describe themselves as reserved and therefore prefer to be contacted by other members rather than taking the initiative themselves.

An appealing profile picture and shared interests are convincing

And what makes singles over 50 contact another person online? For 63 percent of them, an appealing profile picture is particularly important. But a friendly welcome message is also crucial for 54 percent of respondents in order to make a good first impression.

As they continue to click through the profile, they mainly look for shared interests (60 percent) and shared hobbies and leisure activities (42 percent).

Singles over 50 generally feel more independent, which is why financial status plays only a minor role. Only 6 percent of men and 16 percent of women said they pay attention to this when looking for a partner.

Singles over 50 know what they want

Mature singles have one big advantage over younger singles: they know exactly what they want. While many people in their twenties and thirties are still unsure and trying things out, almost 90 percent of our singles over 50 say, “Yes, when it comes to finding a partner, I know what I want!”

And what exactly is that? For almost 80 percent, honesty is definitely part of a perfect partnership. But being loving (77 percent), being active together (66 percent), and having a similar sense of humor (52 percent) are also important to them.

For more than half, these ideas have changed in recent years. For 50 percent of singles, “time for themselves” has also become more important in a relationship. While in the past, decisions were often made based on appearances, 42 percent of singles over 50 now say that personality has become more important to them than looks. Shared interests (45 percent) and financial independence (20 percent) are also more important to many.

Good sex is also part of a relationship

Not much happens under the covers once you're over 50? Not at all! For 53 percent of women and 63 percent of men, good sex is definitely part of a functioning relationship.

And that's not all: for almost 20 percent, sex is even more important today than it used to be. One in four singles over 50 say that the desire for a fulfilling sex life is an important reason for looking for a partner.

But of course, in addition to purely physical intimacy, many other aspects are important to those surveyed. More than half (54 percent) long for security and tenderness. Another 37 percent are looking for a partner so they won't be alone in their old age.

For 57 percent of singles over 50, love for a partner is simply part of a fulfilling life.

Conclusion: Life really starts at 50!

As you can see, 50 is by no means too old to give up on finding the love of your life. Maturity and life experience bring many advantages that you should use to find the right partner for the second half of your life. If you remain open-minded and proactive, you have a good chance of finding a new partner. Online dating agencies offer a great opportunity to get out of your comfort zone and broaden your horizons.