18 Tips for Navigating the Dating World After 60

Bette Davis once said "getting old ain't for sissies"—and she could have been talking about the dating process, quite frankly. "Dating after 60 is more difficult for women in part because there are far fewer available older men than women," Professor Nan Bauer-Maglin tells AARP. "This alone may well explain why roughly half of women over 65 are without partners, while only 21 percent of men in that category live alone." Entering the dating world—especially if you've been married or in a relationship for a long time—can be overwhelming. Here are 18 tips for how to successfully date as a senior.

Don't feel like you have to be in a relationship or find someone immediately. Take your time with the process and try to make it fun. Get to know people so you appreciate who they really are and if you would be compatible.

Be very clear about what you are looking for before you start casting your net. "'Do you know any single men who are Christian, family-oriented and smart?' is more specific and helpful than saying, 'Do you know any men who are single?'" dating coach Damona Hoffman tells AARP.

Dating sites, if utilized properly, can be a very useful tool for meeting like-minded people. Be careful not to become addicted to scrolling or swiping, though. Sometimes having too much choice can lead to decision fatigue and addiction.

Be honest with yourself and others about what you are looking for. This way you won't waste anyone's time and the whole process will be a lot easier. If you know what you want, you know what to look for.

Don't meet strangers alone, or invite them to your home. Meet in a public place, and arrange your own transportation there and home.

If you find yourself single after having been married for a long time, it might be tempting to find someone similar again. Don't let yourself get into a rut. Keep an open mind.

Never share personal information with strangers online (or in person!). Scammers are notorious for convincing trusting seniors to part with their financial information or social security numbers. Be very wary of anyone who tries it.

This should go without saying, but practicing safe sex is a non-negotiable no matter what your age. STDs don't discriminate, and you don't want to find yourself dealing with avoidable health issues in your 60s. Be sensible and protect yourself.

Asking friends and family is a great way to meet someone who can be vouched for by people you trust. Keep an open mind about the process, and agree to spend time with anyone recommended. They might see similarities that aren't always obvious from your own point of view.

Get out of your comfort zone and see what could happen. You might meet someone where you  least expect it. "It's saying yes to something you otherwise wouldn't say yes to — maybe going to speed dating or a singles mixer," Hoffman says.

Unfortunately there are some bad characters out there who will take advantage of you for nefarious purposes. Don't give money to anyone you haven't met, and be very suspicious of anyone who refuses to meet in person even after months of chatting. Catfishing is a real thing.

Try apps for making friends as well as romance apps. You might find a partner just from spending time together with like-minded people. "[It's] a great way to get out and about with a group of potential dating partners," Trish McDermott of Meetopolis.net tells AARP. "You might hike, bike, visit an art gallery or meet for a meal, game night or a movie."

This advice goes for people of any age, really—if you're happy single, you'll attract other confident people, too. By developing self-sufficiency and treating a potential relationship as a want and not a need, you are more likely to make good choices. Happiness is contagious.

Matchmaking seems to have fallen out of fashion but there's nothing wrong with getting professional help. A matchmaker can streamline the dating process for you by finding someone who shares your values, eliminating a lot of wasted time.

Don't be afraid to dine solo—but make the most of it. "Look up," Bela Gandhi, founder of the Smart Dating Academy coaching service tells AARP. "Smile at people. Look them in the eye. Say something nice to them that you mean."

Think about the person you want, and then spend time in places they are likely to be. If you're religious, join a church social group, for example. Be strategic.

This is especially important once you're over 60. "You must accept that you are not likely to change anyone," Professor Bauer-Maglin says. "That means letting go of what you believed in your youth—'Oh, their annoying habits will change once we are a couple.'"

If you meet someone you like, who feels the same—go for it! "If you are over 60 and you do discover romance again, do not hesitate to pursue the relationship," Professor Bauer-Maglin says. "Work together to fulfill each other's needs and desires as much as possible. This requires open, honest communication. You must talk to each other—a lot."