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Style Magazine

Cupid Calls

Oct 30, 2014 03:21PM ● By Lee Ann Dickson

Your heart is pounding.

Your breathing is rapid. You start to sweat and feel a bit euphoric. Don’t be alarmed, it’s not a heart attack: It’s most likely love! Remember when that special someone would catch your eye and the rest of the world melted away?

Thankfully, those days can still happen—just listen to Frank Sinatra as he croons, “Love is lovelier the second time around.” And for some of the more than 76 million baby boomers, it might just be lovelier the third or fourth time. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 10,000 boomers are turning 65 every day. They are healthier and living longer than any other generation. And that means they want to be happy, which for many men and women equates to having a boy/girl friend, lover or spouse.

There are plenty of places to find like-minded, single folks looking for anything from a lunch buddy or travel companion to a lifelong partner. Experts advise seniors can find friends (and more!) by doing the following.

  • Attend parties with friends and family.
  • Go where no man or woman has gone before. Yoga is not just for women; golf not just for guys.
  • Volunteer and find a partner that shares your passion.
  • Join a singles club or other group to bring new experiences into your life.
  • Go online.

Judie Leimer, president of the Sun City Lincoln Hills Singles Club advises about online dating. “This is a new age and Internet dating is OK; it’s how it’s done now.”  This lively gal has had several fun dates with suitable suitors. Past president Sarah Lambrose really enjoys the Singles Club. “It is a lifeblood,” she says. “Our group is a gateway to open doors to a new life.” Both ladies agree that if you trust yourself and let yourself go, you can have a great relationship. “At this age, you don’t want to hide what you really want,” Lambrose says.


Five Pointers for Traversing the New Dating Trail:

  1. Be open-minded. Dating rules have changed. What worked decades ago, won’t work today. Look for a dating coach to get started or if you get stuck.
  2. Take it slow. Don’t share details about finances and such too quickly. It’s horrible to think about, but there are people out there looking to steal your heart and then embezzle your money. At this age, it’s easier to recover from a breakup than an empty bank account.
  3. Keep your sense of humor. This tip is essential in all aspects of life, but especially when dating again.
  4. Be honest. Even if you look 65 at 75, don’t be tempted to subtract a few years off your age. The dishonesty will be found out and might be a deal breaker.
  5. Trust your gut. If there’s no connection, admit it to yourself and the other person, and then move on.