How to Overcome Ageism in the Dating World?
Mar 15, 2023
Ageism is endemic in society. This especially has an impact on older women looking to date men of a similar age.
The older man - younger woman scenario has also made its way onto the online dating scene. Many older men set their search filters to look for potential dates so that they only identify women who are 20 years old or younger. This means that women over 50 often find it impossible to meet men of the same age.
All these issues regarding aging and expectations in dating have mainly been caused by the media and society’s expectations that older women are past their dating prime. It is sexism and ageism combined, and although the times are changing now, it can be tough challenging these stereotypes.
If you are looking to meet potential matches via online dating, it is a good idea to use the search filters sparingly. You may think that a partner who is six years younger or older than you is a good fit, but this drastically cuts down on your potential matches, and for what? According to research, filters cut down on 80% of your potential matches.
Many successful relationships step outside this narrow age parameter. In addition, not everyone conforms to age stereotypes. Most likely, nobody will notice any age difference. After all, once we all get past our 30s and the biological clock is no longer an issue, what difference does it make anyway?
According to research, it isn’t just men who are looking for younger partners. Many women also feel that men of their age are just too old and both sexes often see a younger partner as a status symbol.
As the saying goes, one of the trickier aspects of aging is that you are the same age as old people! There’s nothing you can do about it, so you might as well ignore it!
So How Do You Get Around Ageism on an Online Dating Site?
The answer is not to make too much fuss about it. Don’t set age filters and keep an open mind when looking for a partner. Everyone ages. We all get wrinkles and we all acquire some “baggage “along the way. None of us are defined by our age. We have to look at people as individuals rather than a set of boxes to be ticked.
Make the best of your profile, make sure your picture is current as well as flattering, and ensure that your bio creates a good impression that will cause people to want to spend time with you.
Women are generally more tolerant of age than men. Many women change and mature in their attitudes toward what they are looking for in a man. By contrast, many men get stuck in a rut where they are still trying to chase the same women as they did 20 years ago!
So if you are struggling with finding a partner of a similar age as you on a senior dating site, just grow up! Ditch the age filter and widen your search and you may find exactly who you are looking for!