by Casey Camp

Created on: March 15, 2007   Last Updated: April 23, 2007

I am a happily married man of 51 so dating tips and seniors may not be my bailiwick(well maybe the senior part) but I couldn't resist the urge to comment on the comedic properties when you combine these innately funny yet uncomfortable subjects. I will give a short scenario of such a 'date' and then give some serious commentary.

In our society dating has generally remained the domain of the young, but with aging baby boomers and the high divorce rate, change has gradually come. It is no longer improbable to see the white tasseled loafer crowd out doing the dinner and movie routine like their grandkids, albeit with a few slight differences.

The early bird special and "On Golden Pond" are more likely chosen than some fusion sushi bar and the latest Vin Diesel flick. Then it's back to the lady's condo for Nescafe and plans for tomorrow's golf game. No excruciating moments wondering if he stays; he nodded off during the loudest part of the movie and it's already 9:45! No uneasy introduction to the parents. Just a viewing of photo albums. The only concern is that he's gone before Golden Girls starts and she can field Madge's 9:55 reminder call.

So he shuffles out to his Lexus and drives the 100 feet to his place, gets ready for bed and turns on "Patton".

It is ridiculous for me to give seniors dating tips. They are more experienced and smarter by a mile (or at least 10 years). No one is qualified to suggest pointers to the golden agers except fellow seniors, health care professionals, or psychotherapists. The fact that they are participating in the pleasures and joys of life at an advanced age infers that they are more well adjusted than the general population. They are confident, they have experience, and they want more. Human companionship is an integral part of aging well. Although it is delightful to see the occasional marriage occur in rest or nursing homes, I see no reason to limit seniors to dating seniors.

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