Senior Daters, Here's How to Make Online Dating Work For You!

You are never too old to learn.

That truism reminds us that one of the things that keeps us growing and keeps our minds alert is a thirst for knowledge. Call it curiosity or rebellion against stagnation, but those of us who are senior citizens must learn to thrive in a constantly changing world.

And, truth be known, technology can be your friend.

Yes, I understand. It can also be intimidating. Some people might feel embarrassed about having their grandchildren teach them how to download an app. I prefer to call it quality time with my grandchildren. 

But…failure to learn risks isolation.  

I grew up when televisions only had three channels, and there was just one corded phone in the house on a party line. Microwaves and cordless phones were years away. Some of us are still getting used to using touch-tone phones instead of the rotary dial. Rapid technological change can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

There are many classes available for seniors to learn how to navigate the internet, use their iPhone effectively, and become capable of operating their TV’s remote control.  

A dating website might, at first glance, be a terrifying step to take. But that does not have to stop you from diving into the world of online dating. Why? Whether you are tech-savvy or not, CatholicMatch offers a user-friendly way to fully take advantage of modern technology.

1. It’s stress-free and easy to navigate.
2. It’s the largest exclusively Catholic singles community, providing the means to meet better-matched people and do so faster than anywhere else.
3. CatholicMatch prioritizes your safety and security and makes every effort to protect your privacy.
4. They make the search process easier by using their own unique programs (like Our Match Portrait®, combined with Temperament profiling and advanced search features) to help you find your perfect match.

But wait, there’s more!

There's good news in technology. Becoming digitally literate gives us older adults more control over our lives, helping us manage daily tasks, access resources, and pursue our interests more confidently, efficiently, and independently. Recent studies have shown that challenging yourself cognitively by learning new skills is beneficial. So, using a dating website not only helps you stay sharp but also provides opportunities for new companionship. That’s a win-win!

Let’s be honest. As we age, processing new information and learning new skills becomes more difficult. Reduced vision, hearing loss, declining motor skills, and decreased touch sensitivity can all make adapting to changes around us harder.

But don’t let the speed of change stop you from living in the moment. My wife, whom I met on CatholicMatch, admits to being confused when she first joined CatholicMatch. She thought she had checked some “friends only” box when she signed up, without meaning to dive into the dating scene. When we first met and started spending time together, she sensed I had motives beyond friendship. I did. And, thank God, we were married a year later. You never know what opportunities await once you enter the online dating world.

What can you do to confidently step into the cyber universe?

Here are a few ideas.

1. Find a friend or relative to help you learn the basics. They can assist you in choosing devices and software that are easy to use and designed with simplicity. Features like large buttons, clear displays, and simple navigation can make a big difference. In other words, customize devices to meet your personal needs.
2. Arrange personalized one-on-one training for your chosen technology (FaceTime, internet, smartphones, etc.). This allows you to learn at your own pace and ask questions without feeling rushed or embarrassed. Find free resources available for seniors. Most Senior Centers offer them.
3. Take your time. Feel free to ask questions; if you're confused, ask again. That’s the best way to learn.
4. Write it down. Create your own cheat sheets. When I first started using the computer, I made personal notes. A step-by-step guide helped me remember which buttons to press and where to click with the mouse. 
5. Start with simple tasks. Learn to send emails to family, how to buy a product on Amazon, and how to access and read your email. Establish a regular daily practice to do one thing. Repetition will help you become more comfortable with using these tools.
6. Be patient with yourself. Anything worth doing takes time.
7. Learn about online safety and privacy, focusing on creating strong passwords, understanding the risks of sharing personal information online, and recognizing common scams. This knowledge helps you use technology confidently and securely.
8. If you have any doubts, seek help with your profile on CatholicMatch. You need an informative profile that will attract potential suitors. A friend or family member can assist you in completing it and can also serve as a sounding board for what you input.

At our age (that is, for Medicare-eligible people), we often struggle with change. It’s usually confusing, and the urge is to ignore it or walk away. Remember, exercising your cognitive skills is beneficial for you.

The CatholicMatch website can be an excellent way to meet people. Naturally, I'm biased since I met my wife on this site. However, I remember chatting (via email) with a woman in Spain I connected with through CatholicMatch. She had recently lost her husband. Since I had also lost my wife a few years earlier, we shared our stories and offered each other comfort. We both agreed that neither of us intended to change continents, but our shared experience of loss brought us together, even if just for a short time, to support and encourage one another.

I encourage you not to feel embarrassed about being on CatholicMatch. Having a trusted friend or family member to share your experience can boost your confidence.

Don’t let change or the fear of technology rob you of an adventure!