Today’s single over-50s are living life louder and embracing high-tempo hobbies and activities as a way to forge fresh connections and reignite romance
Gone are the days when middle age meant a quiet life. Today’s single over-50s are living life louder and embracing high-tempo hobbies and activities as a way to forge fresh connections and reignite romance.
And the emphasis is on shared interests as the key to successful relationships for this age group, whether it’s just as pals or something more romantic. Nearly three quarters (73%) of singles over the age of 50 say they’re “more active and social than ever before”, according to new research. Music and letting their hair down are high on the agenda with over half (54%) saying they still enjoy partying, according to the study by Ourtime, a dating app for the over 50s.
As festival season kicks off, the study found that popular interests bringing 50+ singles together include festivals (43%) and concerts and live gigs (40%). In fact, 67% say they prefer high-energy pursuits like partying in the search for new connections over more mellow pastimes like puzzling and knitting.
Even raves remain a thrill as a social setting for over a quarter (28%), proving that passion, and the party, doesn’t fade with age. The study found that this ‘Generation X-perience’ is using its heady hobbies as a way to meet new people – for both companionship (63%) and romance (35%).
While the majority (88%) believe mutual interests are the key to sparking meaningful relationships: making hobbies the modern matchmaker. Other popular passions helping this crowd make new connections include travel (52%), yoga (25%), hiking (21%), running (19%), cycling (13%) and tennis (13%).
Energetic celebs in their 50s have helped to inspire over a third (35%) of mid-lifers, including 52-year-old Idris Elba and his love of kickboxing, 57-year-old Davina McCall and her HIIT training and Cameron Diaz, 52, surfing. For a massive eight in 10 (87%) respondents, bonding over shared interests is the key driver for a fulfilling relationship, whether platonic or romantic.
And it seems this generation’s penchant for thrill is sparking a trend for friendship first dating. The study from Ourtime found that nearly half (47%) of singles over 50 now prioritise companionship first, with the hope it will naturally blossom into a committed relationship.
However, romance isn’t seen as essential by the 50+ cohort, with 38% saying they view it as an enrichment to their already fulfilling lives, rather than a necessity. Perhaps this is why, rather than diving into traditional dates, 83% are opting for activity-based meet-ups – from joining a local padel group to attending music festivals with fellow fans.
This is easing the pressure of traditional date set-ups and helping them to connect with like-minded people who share their interests. And far from being technophobic, today’s mid-life daters are confidently turning to dating apps.
Three-quarters (74%) of those surveyed say they’ve used dating apps to meet new people, with 57% actively turning to platforms like Ourtime in a bid to match with mid-lifers who share the same interests. In fact, three-quarters (74%) say they’re more likely to start a conversation if a potential match shares a key interest or activity.
“Today’s 50+ singles know the real value of shared passions”, says Ourtime’s dating expert Kate Taylor. “They aren’t chasing surface level attraction. They’re looking for true companionship with substance. Friendship-first dating allows for genuine conversations without pressure, builds trust organically, and leads to shared memorable experiences.”
Ourtime dating expert Kate Taylor’s five top tips for friendship-first dating
1. Have an open mind about your date’s hobbies
Don’t totally write someone off because their profile says they love wild-swimming, but you’re strictly the hot-tub type (for example). Stay curious and ask them questions. After all, their passion might spark a new interest for you and they’ll appreciate your interest.
2. Follow your heart
Not sure what your hobbies are, or want new ones? Follow your heart. If you love The Great Pottery Throwdown, investigate a local pottery class. If you enjoyed art at school, join a local painting group.
3. Mention *sociable* hobbies on your dating profile
Many people love solitary hobbies – but a great way to list these is by putting a sociable spin on them. For example, if you like reading, say you love exploring book shops. Love sport? Mention that you enjoy watching live events. This works to turn them into great date ideas.
4. Suggest a date around your shared interests
Tailoring your date to your mutual interests is charming and shows that you’re paying attention. For example, if you’re both dog owners, suggest meeting in a nearby dog-friendly café.
5. Be authentic
We’ve all been tempted to fill our profiles full of exciting past-times like mountain-climbing, but if you want to meet the perfect partner for you, it pays to be honest. Do you really want to date someone who will drag you up Everest? Or would you prefer someone who’ll duet your favourite songs with you at karaoke? Stay true to you and what you love.