The global market research company, Mintel, recognises that a big percentage of the over-55 demographic feels that online dating is not for their age group. However, with one third of marriages now starting from online platforms, is it time to change this perception of online dating for the mature market?

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There are many misunderstandings about the mature market getting back into the dating scenes. The assumptions seem never ending: they are looking for commitment straight away, they want a mature serious relationship. And in some cases, it’s even assumed that they want someone younger on their shoulder. But that’s all these comments are, assumptions and misconceptions.

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Dating at any age can be a challenge. The worry over trying to find someone you instantly ‘click’ with, having to make conversation with a complete stranger and the anxiety before the dreaded first date, arguing with yourself if this person will get you, the pressure of it all is often too much! “It is hard to get the confidence back and get stuck in with dating as it is at my age, let alone having to create an online profile for people to judge and compare you on your looks,” says single mother of two, Maria Davies, aged 57. “I would prefer to physically meet a nice man who shares the same interests as me, as opposed to using dating apps,” she adds.

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It doesn’t have to be this nightmare it’s been made out to be. Online dating means with a touch of a button or a single swipe to the right you are one step closer to meeting your potential new partner. Mintel confirms that the value of the UK’s online dating market has grown over the last five years, with an increase of over 73.5% since 2009, and it is not set to stop any time soon! Forecasting that the online dating market will continue to grow, by 2019 the usage of the sites will have increased a further 36.4%., showing that anyone and everyone is moving to online dating with the hope of finding their perfect match.

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However, if you are like Davies and the physical aspect of your first encounter with a potential new partner is important, you still have options in the online world! Dating websites such as Match.com and Mutual Attraction, could be the best choice. With over 70% success rate, these sites concentrate on presenting more opportunities for immediate meet-ups, and they are recognised as “offline dating sites”. So, although you may be signing up online to find people, these dating platforms focus on meet-ups rather than chatting over the internet. Face-to-face interaction is the way to make the daters feel more comfortable and confident when dating rather than leaving their fate in the hands of a selfie. “You really have to be a confident person to make the most out of dating apps. They are quite time-consuming and can be a little bit of a rollercoaster ride. But it has made people speak more about dating, which is great.” says Lydia David, Head of Matchmaking at Mutual Attraction.

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On the other hand, you have dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Happn where it’s all based on a picture and a quick decision. These apps are there for people to make snap judgements on someone’s looks rather than hobbies or interests. It’s a completely different style of dating, and in general the older market tends to sway away from them. Nonetheless many find they work just as well, as it suits their lifestyle a bit better. “Using Bumble taught me how to get myself out there and talk to men again,” explains recent divorcee Nicola Aresti, 53. The quick, easy-going nature of Bumble, and other similar apps, tends to lift the pressure off and builds confidence, since their design and layout seem more like a game than online dating.

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Despite the positives of the online dating world, 22% of the UK’s population are being put off due to the level of security and dishonest identities found on the dating sites, and we don’t blame them. The notorious catfish is a term heard daily, due to the number deceitful profiles that can be found on any site. Infogram researchers found that 81% of users lie about their physical appearance making others believe they look different, are younger or older than they really are, and sometimes they go as far as to lie about their whole identity, pretending to be someone completely different. Catfishing is very common on the dating scene; but the sites are fighting back. There has been a lot of improvements in the verification process when joining the websites and the power of the report button helps eliminate any unsafe or dishonest users, adding a safety net for users who may feel uneasy. “I never considered using dating apps like Tinder and Bumble as I considered them quite unsafe, but chatting with my neighbour and finding out how her dating life has improved from it I just couldn’t resist,” says Aresti.

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For Caroline Demitrious, 62, her online dating story became her love story. Demitrious started using match.com in 2015 where she first met her now husband Anthony Demitrious. After several dates the couple discovered that through their common interest and like-minded personality, they were a perfect match. Now happily married she advises many of her single friends to reach out and use dating sites. “As long as you are sensible when using the websites and do not give out too much information at the start, then I personally do not see anything wrong with it. I went on some interesting dates before meeting my husband but it was all a learning curve and now I have the family unit I always wanted,” says Demitrious.

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So why not get started on your online love story too? Or online fling. Whatever your preference, now seems like the perfect time to give it a go. With 1,400 dating sites now available from the likes of Tinder and Bumble to E-harmony and Matches, we agree that it might be an overwhelming start, but give yourself the time to really explore the different options. Find the right one for you and your lifestyle, and take David’s advice and “make an extra effort and go in with a positive mind. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy it.”