By the Numbers

Online Dating Trends Among Older Adults

Online Dating Trends Among Older Adults

By the Widowed Life Team · 30 July 2026

Quick answer

Online dating use among adults aged 50 and over grew by around 70% between 2019 and 2024, the fastest growth rate of any age group, according to Pew Research Center. In the UK, older daters spend more time on dating apps than younger users, and most say they prefer platforms designed specifically for their age group.

Rapid growth

Pew Research found that around 22% of adults aged 50 to 64 have used a dating app — roughly triple the rate seen in 2015, and among adults aged 50 and older overall, dating app use grew about 70% between 2019 and 2024. Usage does taper somewhat with age: about 23% of people in their 50s report ever using online dating, compared with 14% of those in their 60s and 12% of those 70 and older.

What older daters prefer

In the UK, adults aged 55 to 64 make up only around 6% of dating app users but spend the most time on them of any age group — an average of roughly 5 hours 43 minutes per month, according to UK market analysis. Around 62% of seniors say they prefer platforms designed specifically for older or senior daters, citing an easier time finding matches who share their life stage and relationship goals.

Practical tips

  • Recognise this is a genuinely growing, active space, not a niche corner of dating.
  • Consider an age-focused platform, since most older daters report preferring them.
  • Don't be discouraged by lower usage rates at older ages. Engagement remains strong among those who do participate.
  • Expect genuine investment from other users — older daters spend significant time engaging on these platforms.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming online dating is only for younger people. Growth among older adults has outpaced every other age group.
  • Overlooking age-focused platforms in favour of general dating apps, when most older daters prefer the former.
  • Assuming lower usage percentages at older ages mean less genuine engagement. The data suggests the opposite.

FAQs

Is online dating growing among older adults?
Yes, significantly — dating app use among 50+ adults grew around 70% between 2019 and 2024, the fastest growth of any age group, per Pew Research.
What percentage of people in their 50s have used online dating?
About 23%, compared with 14% of those in their 60s and 12% of those 70 and older.
Do older daters spend a lot of time on dating apps?
Yes — in the UK, 55 to 64 year olds average around 5 hours 43 minutes per month, more time than any other age group, despite being a smaller share of users.
Do older adults prefer age-specific dating platforms?
Yes, around 62% say they prefer platforms designed for their age group, citing easier matching with people who share their life stage.

Conclusion

Older adults are one of the fastest-growing groups in online dating — a genuinely active, engaged community, not a small afterthought.

Sources

  • Pew Research Center, "How Americans 50 and older use online dating sites and apps," 2023.
  • UK dating app market analysis, senior and 50+ dating usage figures.

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