Best Dating Sites & Apps For Singles Over 40s in UK 2024

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The most popular Dating sites for over 40 singles

Finding opportunities for dating as a middle-aged person can feel like a daunting experience, especially if you don’t know where to look. Fortunately for you, dating sites for over 40-year-olds are not only popular but accessible and easy to use even for people who are new to online dating.

If you are wondering how to meet singles over 40, then the most popular option is without a doubt online dating. To help you out as you begin, we fill you in on everything you need to know about dating as a 40+-year-old. Read on to learn more and to get started!

Why are dating sites for over 40 singles so popular?

Not everyone prioritizes romantic relationships in their 20’s, either looking to focus on their education, career, or personal growth. This means that a portion of the population only starts to look for a romantic partner after they’ve settled themselves down, and this can be at 40+.

Marriage trends suggest that people are marrying later in life, and that commitment is pushed back. This means that more people look for relationships in their forties, and turn to dating services to facilitate this.

There are a few perks to anyone using dating sites for over 40-year-olds. Benefits to online dating can be recognized by most users even without having ever used a dating service. These include the following:

You don’t need to disclose any private information. Address and telephone numbers are shared by choice, and typically after you have already met in public places and have built up trust in your new partner.
You can expand your experiences and social circles when you use dating sites with singles outside your own social circle. There are all kinds of people looking for a significant other on dating platforms, and dating sites for over 40 year olds isn’t any different.
Users who want a serious relationship tend to have the same idea in mind, making it so that everyone is on the same page. This skips over having to waste time getting to know someone only to find out they were looking for a casual hookup.
Online dating services for over 40 singles are available around the clock, at any time of day or night. Platforms and apps can be used regardless of weekdays, holidays or vacation periods from either the comfort of your own home or while on the go.
Even workaholics and night owls have the opportunity to integrate online dating into their personal life. This means that you don’t have to compromise your career, education, or personal interests to pursue a romantic relationship.

The best dating sites for over 40 year olds

Whether you are new to online dating or are an old hand with it, you want to be sure that the service you are using is reliable and reputable. This is why we’ve compiled some of the best dating sites for over 40 to help get you started on the right foot:

Academic Singles – If you are looking for someone over 40 who has a professional background and some sort of higher education degree, then Academic singles is a perfect place to meet others who are interested in dating. Why not date someone who has spent some time building up their career and is looking to enjoy a romantic life with you?
eharmony – eharmony is one of the oldest and most recognized dating services in the online dating market, making it a prime location for you to begin your dating experience with other over 40 singles. Filter your preferences and matches by location, age, hobbies, interests and more to meet someone who really fits who you are.
EliteSingles – If you are looking for professionals over 40 then Elite Singles focuses on connecting people who have already established themselves professionally and now want to settle down.

Each of these services excels at connecting users with others based on advanced matchmaking algorithms, accessible user-friendly services, and a wide range of users around the world. Combined with their experience in the dating market, these services provide you with the best online opportunities available for meeting someone truly special.

How to recognize good dating sites for over 40 singles

One of the key things that you should be looking for in a dating site if you are over 40 is whether or not it gives you flexibility in its filtering for people based on key factors such as age, profession, and family status. Most also offer location-based filtering, although this isn’t as vital.

You can also enjoy other features on the site such as chatting, using forums, and more. A good dating site, such as something like Academic Singles, offers multiple ways for you to interact with the community. The closer it is to a social media platform, the more ways you can have to match.

If someone seems reputable and reliable, consider giving it a test run for yourself to see if you like how they operate. If you enjoy the sign-up process and how the dating service operates, make a mental note to consider upgrading. We recommend checking a few before committing.

Finally, for someone who is over 40, it is important to make sure that the sites are recognized for their quality standards, safety, and service. Check reviews to ensure that other users feel as if their experience was worthwhile before you invest any time into using a dating service.

Rules and tips for dating over 40

Whether you are going to a speed-dating event or are using online dating, you should be aware that you can’t make assumptions about how it may go or the people you will meet. Times have changed, and so have you, so keep a few of these tips in mind:

Don’t rush into dating. One of the biggest mistakes some people make when they want to meet other singles dating is rushing into it when they themselves aren’t emotionally or psychologically ready for it. This can happen when someone has recently become single, either through a breakup or from the loss of a partner. Make sure you are comfortable with dating again before trying to date after 40.
Avoid making any complicated dating plans. You may be excited to get back into dating, and it’s possible that your date is as well, but show restraint and go for a subtler, understated approach for a first date. This isn’t to say that you should do something boring, just that you don’t want to scare away a potential partner.
Old-fashioned etiquette isn’t always necessary. While there are certain situations where old-fashioned dating is called for, like dinner out and a movie, you should also think about trying something more adventurous for a date. See where your imagination takes you and keep an open mind! Just be considerate to your date’s interests and needs.
Try to avoid anyone that reminds you of an ex. The temptation for people who have broken up with someone or were separated from someone is to search for and meet a person that resembles their ex, be it physically or with their personality. This is reasonable to a point, but you should know that it isn’t healthy to look for someone to replace the person you lost. Find someone new that is compatible and don’t try to make them become the ex you once had.
Be sure that you’re ready. If you’ve come out of a divorce, you might feel like diving back into the pool out of some sort of sense of injustice. Dating sites are there to help you find new love, not to try and exorcise the ghosts of a previous relationship.
Accept who you are and everything that means. Many singles in their 40’s can have a lot of baggage when they start to look for a dating partner, and this can lead to a lot of self-doubting and second-guessing about your chances and ability to date other singles. However, only shallow people don’t have scars. Embrace who you are and own the baggage that you come with. Be upfront about it and know that there’s nothing to be ashamed of. If they don’t like you for it, then that person wasn’t worth dating anyway.

Understand that not every potential match you’re paired up with is going to be right for you. To look at it another way: every match that isn’t right takes you one step closer to finding the one that is. Use dating apps to get to know someone before you take the plunge and meet up.
State your preferences from the outset. If you don’t want to date someone with children, then don’t beat about the bush: state it on your profile page. There’s no sense in being coy about what you want from your online experience and your honesty could well be seen as attractive.
Try not to slate your ex. If you’re continuously going on about your ex-partner, this tends to communicate the idea that you haven’t fully moved on. For all you know, the person you’re messaging has an ex who badmouths them too, and they won’t be looking for a replacement.
Think outside the box. Whatever you think your ‘type’ was, try and forget about it. While it’s good to set parameters, it’s also good to be open-minded to new people and those who wouldn’t ordinarily have been on your radar.
Age is just a number. If you’re convinced that you’re too old to start dating again, then you’ll likely self-sabotage your own efforts to find love. Remember that the users on dating sites for over 40 year olds are all a similar age to you and don’t seem to have a problem with the idea of dating.
Be honest. Profile pictures can be misleading and if you manage to bag yourself a face-to-face date, you don’t want your match to find you unrecognisable. If you have wrinkles, have put on weight (suggested: fasting calculator), or have gone bald, embrace it. There’s someone for everyone.
Don’t be afraid to initiate. One of the great things about dating online sites is that you have a degree of anonymity. Many users find this quite liberating and those who might have less confidence find that they are able to initiate chats and messaging.
Take your time and get to know people. Online chats offer the perfect vehicle to get to know other users. By finding someone with similar values, life experiences and outlook on life, you’re more likely to enjoy a successful romance.
Join multiple dating sites. The only path to find dating sites for over 40 year olds that works for you is to shop around. You’ll be casting your net wider and increasing your chances of finding the person you want in your life.

Things to keep in mind when dating over 40

In addition to our rules and tips that you should remember when using dating sites for over 40-year-olds, there are a few other things to keep in mind as you date over 40. These include respecting your partners, acknowledging their own history, and considering their needs:

Your new date will be someone who is already shaped by relationships. This first love during high school graduation, university studies or the first years of work often provide the standard by which all other relationships are measured. It differs for each person how important this is, but just remember that neither of you are a blank slate for romance.
People who have built up a large circle of friends in their private lives will hardly ever neglect them for a new relationship. You will have to come to terms with the idea that you won’t be the #1 person in your date’s life, just as they will have to accept that you may have other people to consider in your own life. This can extend beyond friends to include family and even children, who may be old enough to voice their own opinions about your partner. Depending on how the other parent may have left the picture, the loss of a parent or the care of sick relatives can severely limit one’s own resources – which makes finding a match even more difficult. Be open, flexible, and patient if you are serious about seeing this relationship work.
Changing beauty ideals are a real thing, and it’s just a truth of life that everyone ages. Singles over 40 often adjust their views about the ideal partner in their mid life. This can include people being more willing to lower previous demands and orientate themselves towards suitable partners who share their own lifestyle. Physical attributes tend to become less important, even if physical attractiveness remains a priority.

Click here for more tips and guides on Over-40 Dating

Successfully dating for over 40

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind when you start to date again after 40. One of the most important things to remember is that things may be different for you and your date than when you were younger, so it is important to take things slow and to be flexible and open.

When you are on your first date, try to make sure that conversation is focused on helping the both of you get to know one another. Find common ground and see if you’re a match. Don’t be tempted to bring up negative past dating experiences! It’s much to focus on positives.
Don’t let yourself get bogged down by any of your own experiences with dating that didn’t work out. It’s vital that you move on and look ahead. Be confident in who you are and your accomplishments!
However, if you are feeling unhappy with yourself for any reason, or if you are lacking self-esteem, then you might run the risk of seeming unattractive. Try to present yourself as the person you would like to be. Smile and remain positive, as this is always more attractive.
Try not to build an image of what your date is going to be like before you meet him or her. Doing so will only set you up to be disappointed, so it is best to keep yourself open to whoever it is you might be meeting, giving yourself the best chance at a positive start.
Remember that you are a person who has lived a life full of stories and unique experiences. You may have made mistakes in the past or have flaws but own those and view them as life lessons. A good date can appreciate that about you while listening without judgment or unsolicited advice.

How to stay safe using a dating site for over 40?

Take a little time to look over the rules of etiquette on your chosen sites, as many lists appropriate ways to behave online and with your date. Not only does it minimise the risk of you offending someone, but it also helps you to recognise inappropriate behaviour.

Many plus-40 dating sites offer free membership. This is a great way to test-drive a site before taking out a subscription and to see if you feel safe while using the service. You can also check to see what kind of information is readily available to other users.

However, once you’ve decided which site or sites you want to subscribe to, check out their renewal and cancellation policies. Some sites auto-renew, which means that unless you cancel your subscription before it expires, you will automatically be charged the appropriate fee.

It might be old news, but never give out any financial information to other users. Many 40-year-old men and women have fallen foul to online scammers.

To prevent yourself from becoming another statistic, remember that the only time you need to enter any details is when you are taking out a subscription. Don’t give out any personal information to other users, including financial data, social security numbers, or phone numbers.

Don’t ever send money to someone, no matter how desperate they make their plight to be. It’s also worth checking that payments are encoded and encrypted. That way, your personal information remains safe and secure as you use the dating site.

When you sign-up to a plus-40 dating site, you’ll need to create a user ID. Don’t use any personal information, such as your phone number, address, or date of birth, in the ID. While your username should reflect your personality, it shouldn’t reveal any sensitive information.

A few ups and downs with dating over 40

When you are in your forties and are looking to get into dating, it can be hard to accept that it just isn’t what it was like when you were younger. However, there are also some perks to dating at this age that you didn’t have earlier. Here are just a few pros and cons:

Pros:

You are more established in your career
You have disposable income to spend on dating
You are more certain of what you want in a relationship
Your experience is both valuable and attractive to others
You have more hobbies and interests to share with others

Cons:

You may have to change your approach to dating to fit the interests of people over 40
Your dates may have strings attached, like ex-partners, children, or more
Work and family may make finding the time to date difficult

Despite these cons though, many people do enjoy dating in their 40’s. As long as both partners approach it patiently and are interested in the other, these cons shouldn’t be an issue at all.

Why are dating sites for over 40 better or worse than when you were younger?

For many, the big issue with the 40 plus dating market is that there may be children involved. Not everyone is keen on dating a parent. It shouldn’t put you off, however, blended families are very much the norm these days and can be incredibly rewarding.

There is also the reality of bereavement for either you or your date. The other person might feel as if they are constantly living in the shadow of the partner who’s passed on. There’s no point in comparing as you are both different people, and so the relationships are different too.

You may also have financial concerns, particularly if you’ve been through a divorce. However, letting your money rule your love-life is a sure-fire way to scupper any future romance. Sometimes, you just have to roll the dice and see what happens.

40 plus dating might seem like a veritable minefield, but that depends on how you look at things. Now that you’re in your 40s, you’ve got more self-esteem, life experience, and a much better idea of what you do and don’t want from a relationship.

Over-40 dating apps like the Ourtime app can introduce you to an online dating scene where you can get to know people from older age groups before you even consider meeting them face to face.

Dating singles from your own age group can be infinitely more rewarding than dating those who are considerably younger than you. You’re far more likely to have similar interests and similar life experiences.

Alternatives to dating sites for over 40

If you aren’t interested in trying dating apps and or websites for singles over 40, you can try looking offline for potential dating opportunities. You can try:

Joining a new sport or club to meet new people
Local events and festivities that can help you mingle with others
Donating your time with charity events and clubs that help people, letting you not only look for new dating opportunities, but also giving you a chance to help others
Lectures, seminars, and study groups for adults to meet people who share your interests

Final thoughts on datings sites for over 40 year olds

No matter how you feel about yourself getting older, the truth is that you can find true love at any age. Whether you are 20, 40, or 60, you can meet someone who just clicks with you in all the right ways. All you need to do is take the first step and look for a partner.

Online dating sites offer a large community of active users for you to engage with. That’s why we’ve gone through the best services in the dating market to make sure that your search for love goes smoothly and successfully. Check out our top sites and find your partner today!

Dating Sites for Single Men and Women over 40