Given the state of the coronavirus crisis, you might not think that this is an ideal time for single seniors to date, but as it turns out, the opposite might be true.
Across the board, use of dating apps is up during the crisis as residents across the nation find themselves confined to their homes. This includes seniors, who in recent years have adopted the use of online dating applications in larger numbers than you might expect. Where once senior dating online was fairly uncommon, now there are entire apps aimed at the demographic, with OurTime representing one high profile example that boasts more than 8 million users.
While in isolation due to quarantine measures, connecting with other human beings outside the walls of your residence or care facility can be a challenge, but a necessary one to take on. That’s if you’re trying to get in touch with family and friends, nevermind new people. But dating apps free us to experience a new romance during this time of peril and explore new relationships that we may have never expected.
Quarantine Dates
As you get to know each other, meeting in person is a natural progression for a relationship to develop, but in a time where social distancing is the order of the day, that can be easier said than done.
This isn’t exactly uncharted territory as previous research has suggested the weather can lead to an increase in online dating across populations. An example is the rise in dating app use during blizzards and other forms of extreme weather that don’t necessarily cause interruption to cell phone or internet usage.
Relationships among older adults can develop during this time as well and could be the thing that helps see them through this difficult period of isolation that will increase the risk of negative health effects resulting from depression and loneliness. Some date ideas beside the obvious video chats include:
- Voice memos– this way you can hear each other’s voices, send more intricate messages and communicate in different ways.
- Watch movies together– there are a variety of apps designed to allow you and friends to watch movies together online. Take advantage of these.
- Cook and eat meals together– your distance doesn’t mean you can’t break bread together. Cooking the same meal can be a fun exercise in communication and provide a way to bond.
- Learn something new together– be it reading a book simultaneously and discussing it, studying a craft or just watching some educational programming, there are a variety of shared experiences that can resemble educational experiences you might have on normal dates, like going to a museum.
It’s never been easier to meet people from all over and bridge the gap between you with technology. For seniors living alone or in facilities where visitors are not allowed, this might be the perfect time to explore a new relationship without the pressure to meet up or take things to the next level.