Yahoo Lifestyle 5 Reasons To Try a Matchmaker if You're Over 60, Relationship Experts Say
The desire for companionship and romantic connection knows no age limits. For adults over the age of 60 who have experienced their partner passing, have divorced or have remained single, there may come an inevitable yearning for a meaningful relationship down the line.
During a time when technology has completely altered the dating world, many relationship experts suggest working with a matchmaker. Matchmakers have been around for a long time, and although it may seem like an outdated way to find a partner, its timeless approach lends itself seamlessly to older generations.
Matchmakers are dedicated to understanding the individuals who hire them and giving each person they work with a personalized approach. Parade spoke with two relationship experts to gain a deeper understanding of matchmaking and the top reasons to try a matchmaker if you're over 60. If you're done with dating apps and you know it, listen to what these relationship experts have to say about matchmaking.
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What Is a Matchmaker?
Matchmakers may seem like an enigma, but that's because they know how to work some serious magic. A matchmaker is a skilled guide in the quest for love, offering a personalized and human-centered approach. Beyond arranging dates, it's a matchmaker's job to understand the intricacies of personalities, values and life experiences.
Operating as both a confidante and romantic curator, matchmakers consider shared interests and passions to deliver positive dating experiences. With so many dating apps out there, it can be overwhelming for folks over the age of 60 to know where to start. Matchmakers are a great option and a testament that old-fashioned courtship isn't dead!
Parade spoke with Dr. Tara about the benefits of using a matchmaker if you're over 60 years old. Dr. Tara boasts a TikTok following of two million and is a tenured professor of relational and sexual communication. She's also an award-winning researcher, sex and relationship coach and host of Luvbites by Dr. Tara Podcast.
Dr. Tara tells Parade, "When you're matched with someone you find attractive or someone that matches your energy, it contributes to you feeling more hopeful when it comes to dating." She continues, "Using a matchmaker can help you feel more confident because you'll already know that the person has been vetted and will be at your level—psychologically and emotionally."
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How To Find a Matchmaker
To find a reputable matchmaker, it's always best to begin by seeking personal recommendations from friends or family members. If you're not acquainted with anyone that's used a matchmaker, take your research online. Search by using keywords like "matchmaker for seniors," "exclusive matchmakers" and "executive matchmakers."
Things To Consider Before Hiring a Matchmaker
Before you commit to working with one, evaluate potential matchmakers by checking reviews, testimonials, their professional background and their online profiles. Arrange consultations to discuss their personalized approach and if there are any fees involved. Make sure to ask them about their experience in matchmaking specifically for individuals over 60. Can they provide you with any success stories they've arranged?
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, it's important to find someone that you feel comfortable with. Trust your instincts and opt for the matchmaker who understands your values and goals.
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5 Reasons To Try a Matchmaker if You're Over 60, According to Relationship Experts
Parade also spoke with Caitlin Cooper, a professional matchmaker, dating strategist and relationship coach. She shares content helping successful singles navigate the world of modern dating and find lasting love with her 121K+ followers on TikTok.
Cooper shares, "When you meet someone and fall in love in your 20s or early 30s, you tend to mold and grow together—but as we get older, we become more and more fixed in our habits and lifestyle and become pickier when it comes to bringing in new people into our lives."
That's where a matchmaker comes in handy. Here are 5 reasons to try a matchmaker if you're over 60.
1. Personality Compatibility
"The matchmaking process sifts through a lot of riff-raff that could have wasted your time and filters the options down to a select few so there is a shift from quantity to quality," Cooper tells Parade.
It's true. One of the most appealing aspects of hiring a matchmaker is that they take the time to meet with your potential matches, ask them the bigger questions and consider the various aspects of their personality and lifestyle. Through their matching process, they work to pair individuals based on values, preferences and personality.
"Matchmaking can be a great equalizer for singles because there is a middleman helping to look for exactly what you want, using networks you otherwise would never have access to," Cooper continues. "They translate miscommunications between the matches and are a firsthand resource to help you navigate the modern world of dating."
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2. Similar Dating Goals
With a matchmaker's expertise, they work to match your dating intentions with people who have similar ones. Whether you're looking for a fun adventure in your senior years or a more serious commitment, this aspect is as important to consider as personality.
By meticulously understanding your aspirations and selecting matches that resonate with your relationship objectives, a matchmaker transforms the search for love into a purposeful journey.
"At matchmaker-coordinated dates, people are much more invested, and they put in the effort to have a fun and pleasant experience," Dr. Tara adds.
3. No Online Dating Fatigue
"Singles over the age of 60 often tell me they feel overwhelmed with dating apps and don't even know what to say when they match," Cooper says. "Many also tell me they have been single for so long that they aren't even sure how to date anymore or how to open their life for space for someone else to be part of it. That's where coaching and matchmaking come in and can change the game."
Working with a matchmaker can be a breath of fresh air for folks who are tired of swiping through endless profiles and navigating the uncertainties of virtual connections. A matchmaker's tailored approach not only saves time and energy but also offers a renewed sense of hope for finding connections.
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4. Safety
Technology is a double-edged sword. Its power can provide us with immediate social connection, but it can also bring about safety concerns—especially for adults over 60. In a world of online dating and scams, older adults can certainly be at greater risk of these increasing threats.
"I think it's helpful for a person over 60 to work with someone who is in the know of current dating protocol and up to date with current scams to inform you of what to be on the lookout for and to vet and vouch the people they choose to set you up with," Cooper explains.
"By having a person in the middle, they can have all the bad first dates for you and vet who is a creep and who is worthy of your time," she adds.
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5. Expand Social Circles
"When you use a matchmaker, they can match you with someone who isn't already in your social network," Dr. Tara says. "Perhaps someone that you wouldn't normally meet or someone that has different life experiences from you."
As we grow older, it can be increasingly difficult to build new relationships—whether platonic or romantic. If you have a smaller social circle, working with a matchmaker can really help get you out of your comfort zone and expose you to new people.
Though it may be uncomfortable, Dr. Tara wants to encourage you: "This creates opportunities to expand your network, invite novelty and excitement into your life and to have more fun! Ultimately, even if you don't develop a romantic chemistry with them, you still have a chance to make new, cool friends."
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Connect With the Experts
Dr. Tara
Tenured professor of relational and sexual communication, award-winning researcher, sex and relationship coach and host of Luvbites by Dr. Tara Podcast.
Caitlin Cooper
Professional matchmaker, dating strategist and relationship coach.
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