They say that love has no age limits, and new research proves that singletons starting to date in their 50s are the luckiest in love. Inspired by the release of the enchanting British comedy The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel on Blu-ray and DVD, a One Poll survey released today reveals the behaviours that put retirees at the top of the dating game.
The over 55s certainly don’t let a few wrinkles slow them down. An overwhelming majority of retired singles (61%) are self-assured daters – matching only those aged 18-24 in the confidence stakes. Those aged 35-44 are the least confident when it comes to finding love.
72% of senior singles feel a healthy sex life is important in any successful relationship, whilst surprisingly, almost a third of those aged 18 – 24 don’t think it integral at all. The older generation will take their time, however, with the majority of those surveyed waiting between 6 and 10 dates before hitting the sheets, while those in their early twenties generally obey the 3 date rule.
Younger singles also value the status of a partner’s wealth and possessions more than the older generation, who instead focus most on sense of humour (the most important factor in 49% of respondents), followed by common interests (chosen by 30%).
There is a downside to dating in your golden years, however – those aged 55+ find it far more difficult to get over a failed relationship; one in five wait over a year before feeling ready to date again, whereas those aged in their twenties generally (57%) bounce back in under 6 months.
Despite our ages, genders or regions, all daters agree that the hardest barrier to finding love in this day and age is knowing where to go to meet Mr. or Ms. Right, with pressure from family and friends cited as another major issue, affecting all generations equally.
Lara Crisp, editor of Gransnet commented “Dating is a popular topic of discussion on the forums and the overall attitude towards finding someone special is optimistic. Many have used online dating sites (with varying degrees of success) although most users’ advice is to enjoy your freedom and pursue other interests: join local groups, classes etc. And see what life brings…”
The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel explores the lives and loves of eight retirees who take up residence at Jaipur’s Best Exotic Marigold Hotel for the Elderly and Beautiful, and is a sequel to the 2011 smash hit starring Bill Nighy, Dame Judi Dench, Celia Imrie and Richard Gere.
