50 and Single: How to Navigate This Phase Of Life

Spread the love

Being 50 and single can feel like you’re standing at a crossroads: on one hand, you have a world of possibilities and hard-earned wisdom; on the other, you might feel the sting of loneliness more than ever, which is compounded by the weight of doubts about finding love “at your age.” Take a deep breath— it’s absolutely okay (and common) to be single at 50.

In fact, more than one-quarter of Americans ages 50 to 64 are single, and many of them are thriving. Whether you have been happily single by choice until now or are single due to life circumstances and considering venturing into dating, the experience can turn out of be extremely rewarding if you embrace it the right way. Let’s explore how to make the most of being 50 and single, and how to navigate dating if and when you choose to seek a partner.

10 Tips on Navigating Being 50 and Single

Table of Contents

When you find yourself single at 50, the need for companionship can seem more pressing than ever. If you’re single because of circumstances like divorce or losing a partner, you may find yourself feeling lost about navigating this new way of life at this life stage. Even if you’ve been single by choice all your life or because you could find “the one” and were perfectly at peace with that, you may find that changing as you advance toward your silver years. Why? Because you’re now at a stage of life where you can begin to take your foot off the career pedal and everyone around you is occupied with their own lives.

This can make you feel loneliness more deeply and yearn for a partner you can share your life with. While dating over 50 is not an unrealistic goal, you will find that your pursuits can yield better results if you don’t approach this process from a place of desperation but rather a genuine desire to find someone who complements your life rather than seeking a partner to make you feel whole. To bring about that shift in perspective, we bring you 10 tips on how to build confidence if you’re single and 50 and navigate this phase of life:

1. Remember, there’s no “shelf life” on happiness

First and foremost, ditch any notion that being single at 50 means you’re some kind of failure. People find themselves single at this age for many reasons—perhaps you focused on career and never married, perhaps you went through a divorce (you’re definitely not alone there; the divorce rate for folks over 50 has roughly doubled since the 1990s), or maybe you lost a spouse, or simply never found the right match and refused to settle. Whatever your story, know that your life can be full, joyful, and complete without a partner.

As Amanda Krisher of the National Council on Aging puts it, the idea that we’re “missing out” if we don’t have a spouse is misguided. A single person at 50 can have “a rich social life filled with friends, family, travel, and hobbies, and find that your life is perfect just the way it is.” In other words, you are enough, just as you are.

Remind yourself of the benefits of single life: you have the freedom to spend your time as you wish, pursue passions, make spontaneous decisions, and enjoy your own company. You can decorate your living space to your taste, eat or skip dinner on your own schedule, and watch whatever you like on TV without compromise! These are not trivial things – they’re real perks of independence. Plenty of coupled people envy the autonomy that singles have. So, rather than viewing singlehood as a void, consider it a phase of empowerment and self-discovery.

Related Reading: Dating At 50: On Mission Of Finding A Boyfriend

2. Combatting the stigma

Singles over 50 often feel judged for their status. Your family, friends, or peers may, through their words and actions, make you feel as if they’re implying, “What’s wrong with you for being single?” In such situations, remember that being in a relationship is not an accomplishment in and of itself, being happy is.

Life isn’t a race to see who can stay in a partnership the longest. It’s about the quality of your experiences and relationships. So don’t let outdated stigma get in your head. As a single 50-year-old, you’re part of a huge community of people who are redefining what it means to live and love in midlife.

3. Take stock of what you want

Before you foray into dating for over 50, pause and reflect on where you want your life to go from here. Some 50+ singles decide,”I’m genuinely content without a romantic partner.” Others realize that they do want to find love again (or for the first time). Both choices are valid. It might help to journal or talk with a close friend about your feelings. If you have any lingering emotional trauma from a breakup or loss, consider seeking closure—maybe through therapy, support groups, or personal rituals—so that it doesn’t hold you back from enjoying the present.

Self-care is crucial. By 50, your life may have involved investing a lot of yourself in the well-being of others—kids, aging parents, a spouse—or putting your needs and wants on the backburner in pursuit of your ambitions and goals. Now is the time to prioritize you. What brings you fulfillment? It could be anything from picking up painting to training for a 5K, planning a dream trip, or even making a career pivot. Engaging in activities you love not only makes your single life rich, it also organically connects you with like-minded people and potential new friends or partners, opening up new avenues for meeting singles over 50 or of any age group, for that matter.

If you decide you do want to date, be honest with yourself about what you’re looking for. Are you hoping to remarry or just to casually date and see what happens? Nearly 60% of singles over 50 say they are open to a relationship or already dating, but a sizable portion are not actively looking. Both choices are valid. You might find that at certain times, you’re actively seeking, and at other times you’re taking a break. The beauty of this period is that you get to decide. There’s no timeline to follow except your own.

Related Reading: Men Over 50 – 11 Lesser Known Things Women Should Know

4. A good relationship can be the key to health and happiness

“Good” being the operative word here. One compelling reason some singles decide to pursue dating in their 50s is the potential health and happiness benefits of a good relationship. Research has shown that loving companionship can reduce stress and even help people live longer. Social connections in general – whether romantic or platonic – are linked to better mental and physical health.

So if you do crave that special someone, know that it’s not just a whimsical desire, it’s actually aligned with your well-being. Human beings are wired for connection. That said, an unhealthy or draining relationship can have the opposite effect, so it’s far better to be single than in a bad match. Aim for quality, not just having a warm body next to you.

Also, at 50, you likely have a clearer sense of who you are, which can actually make relationships better. Many singles who find love later say their relationships are stronger and more equal because each person has a solid sense of self and life experience to bring to the table. There can be less drama and mind games, which can pave the way for a genuine partnership.

5. Dip your toes into dating (if you feel ready)

how to start dating again at 50 and single

Let’s say you’re ready to get back out there. How do you start? It might feel intimidating, especially if it’s been a while. One approach is to start small. Perhaps ask a friend to set you up on a low-pressure coffee or lunch with another single friend. Or attend a social event where singles might mingle, such as a wine tasting or a community dance. Another easy entry is online dating – you can browse and chat from the comfort of home to rebuild your “flirting muscles.”

There are user-friendly apps specifically for people over 50, like OurTime and SeniorMatch, where you’ll know everyone is at a similar life stage. Signing up for online dating over 50 can be an exciting experience—putting together a bio, choosing pictures, reflecting on what you’re looking for, and finally, looking at potential matches and making new connections. Don’t worry about “who will want me?” You’d be surprised how many people in their 50s, 60s, and beyond are actively looking for partners. According to Pew Research, 17% of Americans 50 and older have used a dating site or app.

If you do go the online route, a couple of tips on how to start dating again at 50 and single:

Use recent photos that show your personality—you laughing with friends, or doing a hobby you love, in addition to a clear headshot
Write a dating profile that sounds like you—be honest and upbeat
When you start interacting, don’t be discouraged if you don’t find a match immediately. Some people get lucky quickly, others take months or longer to find someone compatible
Go at your own pace. Maybe browse a few profiles each evening or send a message here and there. When you feel it’s too much or not fun, take a break. The goal is to keep it enjoyable, not turn your dating endeavors into a second job

Related Reading: The 13 Best Tips For Dating In the Middle Age

6. Leverage your network to set you up with someone

Don’t just rely on online dating over 50. Turn to your friends, colleagues, family members, or even your hairdresser, for help and ask them to introduce you to someone they think you’d click with. You never know, your friend’s neighbor might be another single 55-year-old who’d love to see a movie with you.

Social connections are still a top way people meet partners. You could also join groups geared toward singles in midlife. Some towns have social clubs or meetup groups for “over 50 singles” that organize dinners, hikes, or outings. If you’re adventurous, maybe try a travel group for single travelers. Picture yourself on a group tour of Italy or a cruise for singles. At worst, you see new places; at best, you might click with someone on the journey.

7. Remember, being single is better than being in a bad relationship

Like we said when talking about good relationships augmenting quality of life, the kind of relationship you’re in impacts your life for better or for worse. When you’re navigating the world of dating for over 50-year-olds, there might be moments where you feel, “Ugh, this is hard, maybe I should just settle for this person I’ve matched with than keep looking endlessly.” Don’t do it.

Yes, the process can sometimes be long-drawn-out and loneliness can make it seem even harder but an unhappy relationship can be lonelier than being single. If you’ve been married or coupled before, you likely understand this deeply. One divorced woman reflected that after years of walking on eggshells in her marriage, being single felt like a breath of fresh air. She could finally be herself without constant conflict. Remind yourself of that freedom if you ever second-guess why you’re holding out for the right person.

8. Enrich your single life

One of the most valuable tips for finding love after 50 and being single we have for you is to build a life that makes you feel happy and fulfilled on your own. The more content you’re on your own, the more attractive you’ll be to others – and more importantly, the less you’ll feel like you need someone to add meaning to your existence.

Think about areas of your life you might want to enrich. Is it friendships? Perhaps organize a monthly dinner party or game night with friends. Is it adventure? Make a bucket list of places to visit or new skills to learn. Is it giving back? Many singles find purpose and community in volunteering. Doing things that make you happy and proud of yourself naturally boosts your aura.

For example, if you always wanted to ballroom dance but your ex hated it, guess what – now’s your chance! Join that dance class. You might meet other single people there, or you might just get joy from dancing; either way, you win. When you center your life around things that bring you joy, you radiate contentment. And if you do go on a date, you’ll have interesting experiences to talk about, which is very appealing.

Related Reading: Surviving Divorce at 50: How To Rebuild Your Life

9. Learn to handle loneliness without it taking a toll

Let’s be real—even the most independent single person can feel lonely sometimes, especially when a lot of your peers are partnered up or when certain events like holidays, weddings come around and you have to get through them by yourself. It’s important to have strategies for those moments so you can steer your way through loneliness without letting it take a toll on your emotional well-being.

It can be helpful to have a close group of friends or family you can call or spend time with when you need company. Likewise, planning your weekends proactively by scheduling a meal with a friend or a solo movie with your favorite films can also help beat the loneliness blues. If nights are hard, maybe adopt an evening routine: a good book, a soothing cup of tea, meditation or journaling to end the day on a positive note. Some people find pets to be wonderful companions—a dog to greet you at the door or a cat to curl up with can provide genuine comfort and a sense of connection.

Joining communities (online or offline) of other single people over 50 can also remind you that you’re in good company and give you a place to share and laugh about the ups and downs of this life stage. If you feel that loneliness is beginning to impact your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek professional support. A therapist can help reframe negative thoughts and bolster your coping skills. If you think you need help, you can avail of BetterHelp’s professional counseling services from the comfort of your home.

10. When lightning strikes—being ready for love

You might be living your fabulous single life when—wham—you meet someone unexpectedly. It could be through a blind date, a chance encounter, or an online match that just clicks. When you’re getting comfortable with your 50 and single life, an opportunity for a relationship can be both exciting and a little scary. Many 50+ singles worry, “Am I set in my ways? Can I compromise again? Do I have room in my life for this?” These are natural questions. Take it slow and communicate openly.

If you’ve grown used to solitude, blending your life with someone else’s can be an adjustment, but it can be a delightful one with the right person. Remember, your prospective partner likely has a life too (career, maybe kids or grandkids, routines). You both will need to approach merging lives with patience and understanding.

One trend among older couples is the Living Apart Together (LAT) arrangement – staying in separate homes or not fully combining households even in a committed relationship. This is an option if you value your independent space. For example, you might each keep your own home but spend weekends together or have sleepovers a few times a week. This can actually keep a relationship fresh and comfortable. There’s no one correct way to structure your love life at 50+. Do what works for both of you, and don’t worry if it looks different from traditional models.

Also, don’t be surprised if you feel giddy and youthful when romance comes around. Falling in love or developing a crush at 50 can make you feel 17 again (yes, butterflies still flutter!). Enjoy it – this is the sweet side of dating for over 50-year-olds that makes all the hassle worthwhile.

Final Thoughts—You Define What Being 50 and Single Means

Being 50 and single is not a monolithic experience nor is your existence validated solely by your success at finding a partner. It’s about crafting a life at 50 that feels authentic and satisfying. For some, that will include a new love story; for others, it might mean embracing singleness as a permanent, happy state.

If you’re 50 and single: rejoice in your independence, build a life you love, and if you desire romance, approach it as a new adventure, not a do-or-die mission. Age has given you the gift of perspective—you know the sun will rise tomorrow regardless of a bad date or a texting miscommunication. Every day is an opportunity to love yourself and others, in many forms. Stay socially engaged, keep an open heart, and you may find that being 50 and single is not a limitation but a liberation. And if/when the day comes that you transition from “single” to “50 and in a relationship,” you’ll carry forward the strength and self-sufficiency that being single in your 50s helped you forge – a strength that will only enhance your next chapter.

Gray Divorce 101 – A Guide To Divorce After A Long Marriage

The Best Online Dating Advice for Men & Women

The Art Of Online Dating: Navigating The World Of Apps And Websites

Your contribution does not constitute a charitable donation. It will allow Bonobology to continue bringing you new and up-to-date information in our pursuit of helping anyone in the world to learn how to do anything.