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36% of adults aged 65+ were single in 2023, marking a significant shift in relationship trends among single people. While 17% of those 50+ have used dating apps, many prioritize independence, financial security, and social connections over marriage. Understanding these patterns sheds light on how aging, relationships, and dating are evolving in modern society.
Key Insights
In 2023, 36% of adults aged 65+ were single, reflecting a major shift in senior relationships.
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49% of women 65+ are single, compared to just 21% of men, highlighting a significant gender gap.
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Divorce rates among older adults have nearly tripled since 1990, rising from 5.2% to 15.2% in 2022.
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17% of Americans 50+ have used dating apps, but experiences vary by age and platform preference.
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78% of seniors 55+ use AI chatbots for companionship, with 80% reporting excellent mental health.
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Are Seniors Choosing to Date?
More seniors are choosing to stay single than ever before. In 2023, 36% of adults aged 65+ were single, showing a clear shift in how single people approach their later years.
When we break it down by gender, the difference is striking. 49% of single women 65+, compared to just 21% of single men. That’s a big gap, and it suggests that men and women experience aging and relationships differently.
Many seniors aren’t actively looking for romantic relationships, which suggests a shift in priorities. Instead of dating or cohabiting, many single adults are content with their social circles and the independence they currently enjoy.
How Marriage Trends Have Changed for Older U.S. Adults
Marriage rates among seniors have shifted significantly over the years. Compared to 1990, fewer older adults are widowed, while more are divorced or have never married. In 2022, 57.4% of adults 65+ were married, but divorce rates have nearly tripled since 1990, reflecting changes in marital status among this demographic.
There’s also a clear difference between men and women. Nearly 70% of older men are married, compared to only 47% of older women. Respondents also indicate that women are far more likely to be widowed, shaping their lifestyle and social choices in later years.
Are Seniors Using Dating Apps?
Online dating isn’t just for younger generations; many older adults are giving it a try. As of 2022, 17% of Americans aged 50+ have used a dating app or website. But within this group, usage varies by age:
- 23% of those in their 50s have tried online dating.
- 14% of those in their 60s have ventured into the space.
- The numbers drop further for those 70 and older.
When it comes to app preferences, older users tend to gravitate toward Match (50%), while younger online daters are more likely to use Tinder (11%), according to a Pew Research Center survey.
Age differences also show up in the use of platforms like OkCupid and Bumble, with those in their 50s being the most active.
The Challenges of Dating as a Senior
While online dating opens new possibilities for seniors, it also comes with its fair share of challenges. Many older adults face safety concerns, unwanted interactions, and mixed experiences when using dating apps.
Scams and Fraud
Scams are one of the biggest risks seniors face in online dating. Nearly 47% of online daters aged 50 and older say they’ve come across someone they suspected was trying to scam them. However, this risk isn’t the same for everyone. 52% of those aged 50 to 64 have encountered scams, compared to 39% of those 65 and older.
Harassment and Unwanted Behavior
Dating apps aren’t always welcoming spaces. 45% of online daters 50 and older report experiencing at least one form of unwanted behavior, including:
- 33% received sexually explicit content they didn’t ask for.
- 26% had someone persistently contact them after they expressed disinterest.
- 17% were called offensive names.
- 4% were threatened with physical harm.
For those 65 and older, these negative experiences are slightly less common. 1 in 3 older users (65+) report experiencing at least one of these behaviors, compared to 1 in 2 users under 65.
Are Seniors Enjoying Online Dating?
Seniors have mixed opinions on online dating. While 53% of all dating app users say they’ve had a positive experience, 46% describe it as negative.
However, women aged 50 and older stand out for having the most negative experiences. 57% of them say online dating has been negative, compared to 38% of men in the same age group.
Why Are More Seniors Staying Single?
The number of seniors choosing to remain single has been rising, driven by various personal, financial, and societal factors. Here’s a closer look at why more older adults are embracing singlehood:
Financial Independence and Security
Many seniors, especially women, have gained financial independence, reducing the need for marriage as an economic safety net. In fact, a 2024 analysis by the National Council on Aging found that 80% of older adults are either financially struggling now or at risk of economic insecurity in retirement.
Additionally, many seniors are already living independently. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 Current Population Survey, 28% of people aged 65+ live alone, including slightly fewer than 6 million men and slightly more than 10 million women.
Desire for Autonomy and Lifestyle Preferences
After long-term marriages or partnerships, some seniors prefer maintaining their independence rather than adjusting to a new relationship. This shift is reflected in marital trends. The share of divorced older adults nearly tripled from 5.2% in 1990 to 15.2% in 2022.
Health and Caregiving Considerations
Many seniors are hesitant to enter new marriages due to concerns about caregiving responsibilities. Some have already cared for a spouse and prefer to avoid taking on that role again. For those considering first marriage or marrying for the first time later in life, these concerns can be even more significant. However, avoiding remarriage doesn’t always eliminate challenges. Studies show that divorced and widowed seniors reported higher levels of loneliness during the pandemic compared to married people.
Social Connections and Support Networks
Many seniors find companionship through friendships, family, and community activities, making marriage less essential for emotional support. For many, a single life is enriched by strong social networks rather than committed romantic relationships. In 2023, 34% of adults aged 50–80 reported feeling isolated, down from 56% in 2020, suggesting that social engagement among older adults has improved over time.
Technology is also playing a bigger role in reducing loneliness. A 2024 survey found that 78% of seniors over 55 regularly use AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Alexa, and Google Assistant for companionship and daily tasks. This tech engagement has had a real impact. 80% of these users report excellent mental health, and 53% say they rarely feel isolated.
Social media has also helped older adults stay connected, fostering both friendships and opportunities for casual dates.
Bottom Line
As more seniors embrace singlehood, the landscape of aging and relationships is evolving. In 2023, 36% of adults 65+ were single, with 49% of women 65+ remaining unmarried compared to 21% of men. While 17% of Americans 50+ have tried dating apps, many prioritize financial independence, autonomy, and social connections over marriage.
Living arrangements among seniors have also evolved, with more choosing to live alone or in alternative setups rather than remarrying. Divorce rates among older adults have nearly tripled since 1990, and scams, harassment, and negative experiences remain challenges in online dating. As young adults increasingly delay marriage, similar trends are reflected among single Americans in later life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
In 2019, 28% of adults aged 50 to 64 were single, meaning they were neither married nor living with a partner.
Yes, 17% of Americans aged 50+ have used a dating app or site, with usage higher among those in their 50s (23%) than in their 60s (14%).
At least 91% of men and 92% of women aged 60–69 have been married, with the number rising to 95% for those 70 and older.
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Sources
- The Senior List. Senior Dating Statistics. Published 2023.
Link Here - Bowling Green State University (BGSU). Marital Status Distribution of U.S. Adults Aged 65 and Older. Published 2022.
Link Here - Pew Research Center. Dating at 50 and Up: Older Americans’ Experiences with Online Dating. Published July 17, 2023.
Link Here - Pew Research Center. Key Findings About Online Dating in the U.S. Published February 2, 2023.
Link Here - Pew Research Center. Rising Share of U.S. Adults Are Living Without a Spouse or Partner. Published October 5, 2021.
Link Here - Alliance for Retired Americans. Historic Numbers of Americans Live by Themselves as They Age. Published 2023.
Link Here - National Council on Aging (NCOA). Addressing the Nation’s Retirement Crisis: The 80% Financially Struggling. Published 2024.
Link Here - New York Post. Seniors Using AI May Have Better Mental Health. Published November 21, 2024.
Link Here - National Poll on Healthy Aging. Trends in Loneliness Among Older Adults (2018–2023). Published 2023.
Link Here - U.S. Census Bureau. Love and Loss Among Older Adults. Published 2021.
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