by Cherryl Floyd-Miller

Created on: January 24, 2011

Aging gracefully and easing into a meaningful life is the one of the biggest delights of The Golden Years. Seniors no longer waking up each morning to head to a nine-to-five job can travel to places they’ve always longed to see and do all the things they never had the time to do before. For those who are widowed, divorced or single, retirement also ushers in a new era of dating.

In the world of seniors, love is mostly about finding positive companionship and rediscovering the joy of connecting with kindred spirits. Since the usual obligations – work, school, spouse and children – are no longer an obstacle to free time, the realm of possibilities for a first date is limited only by energy level. Here are some ideas for jump starting a new senior relationship:

Get active: exercise or go dancing

The popularity of the television competition series “Dancing with the Stars” has made ballroom dancing attractive for seniors and other age groups alike. Seniors shouldn’t be limited to the ballroom, though. Other forms of dance that might pique their interests include line dancing, jazz, low-impact salsa, hip hop and square dancing. There are a great many health benefits to dancing.

Brisk walking or light exercise with a date can keep the adrenaline going. Many seniors don’t even need to go to a membership gym to do so. Instead, they visit local walking tracks or go to the mall early (about 7 a.m.) before the storefronts open to shoppers and walk around the inside perimeter of stores. Early mornings are also an ideal time to head to natatoriums or senior centers to get in a good swim. Those who enjoy the outdoors tend to stick to nature trails, public parks and downtown.

Take a class together

The best times for learning are early or late in life. There are fewer distractions and you are more receptive to the new ideas that will be floating around inside your head. Signing up  for a class with a significant other could be an exciting way to get to know someone. Arts and crafts or cooking courses are popular. The classroom setting gives you something other than nervousness to focus on and you get an automatic tutor for your homework.  

Go on a group excursion

Senior centers host trips to fun and exotic places all the time. You simply have to sign up, pay your money and show up to get on the bus. Taking a date on one of those trips is a great way to share friends and meet new people – and each time your date

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>