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Elderly Online Dating a New Chance For Love

Why does the online world and especially elderly online dating make me feel so concerned? In all other matters I feel completely confident in my 86 year old dad's ability to make good judgments. When it comes to the internet, I feel a strong sense of role reversal and wanting to be sure my dad's online life is safe.

Elderly online dating is becoming more popular as computers become a mainstream household tool for seniors. Seniors are seeking new partners and want to build new relationships. Checking in with your parent on dating and online dating in particular can feel awkward. Your or a friend's experiences with online dating can be a good foundation for discussing this with your parent. While the benefits and rewards of elderly online dating exceed the risks, you want your parent to be informed.

Benefits of elderly online dating

· Your parent has the opportunity of connecting to a wider pool of people than introductions from family and friends can provide

· Your parent is able to target potential partners with similar interests

· Low key way to start reconnecting and practicing dating skills if your parent have been out of the dating pool for a long time

· Your parent can begin to create a relationship and get to know the person before they meet

Tips for elderly online dating success

· Your parent should be clear about what type of relationship she is seeking. Is she seeking a long term commitment? Is she seeking romance, a pen pal or an activity partner?

· Encourage your parent to be honest about her appearance, interests and abilities.

· Being more specific about her interests will result in better connections. If your parent enjoys reading, her profile should include the types of books she likes to read.

· If your parent feels a strong connection with someone, she should arrange a safe meeting as soon as possible so her expectations will stay realistic.

· Be straightforward with the men she meets via elderly online dating, if she is not interested in someone, let them know and stop corresponding.

Online dating warnings to share with your parent

· Online relationships can very quickly have an intense sense of intimacy. People are often able to express their emotions much more freely online. Meeting early when there is a strong bond lets both parties learn if they have in-person chemistry.

· Your parent should not reveal much personal information until she gets to know the person well. Unlike an introduction from a friend, an online date does not come with any assurances about his integrity.

· Teach your parent the warning signs that their new friend is not single. It's estimated that as many as 30% of people using online dating are married or in committed relationships. Restricting the time of day for calls or emails, replying to calls or emails only at certain times of the day and unwillingness to give a home phone number are all signs that the person may be committed.,

· Take profiles and photos with a grain of salt. If your parent sets his expectations below what the profile and picture seem to show, she will be less likely to be disappointed

· While most participants are sincere, some people use online dating services because they enjoy toying with other's emotions.

When online dating becomes a first meeting

Emails and phone calls with a friend met through online dating can create a wonderful sense of connection that leads to an in-person meeting. Remind your parent of a few safety basics for the first meeting.

· Your parent should meet their friend in a public place and arrive and depart in her own transportation.

· Suggest that your parent keep the first meeting low key and time limited with a graceful exit that is pre-planned.

· Your parent should make sure she is not followed home from the first meeting.