“Over 50s the Most Popular Age Group for Speed ​​Dating”

Dating apps have become the new norm for younger generations looking for the perfect match.

But experts say the online craze of swiping left and right to weed out potential partners isn’t for everyone.

Instead, those over 50 are sticking to the more traditional, fast-paced way of meeting someone. This age group is reportedly the “most lucrative” when it comes to speed dating events, industry experts say.

Slow Dating events manager Lissy Cleminson sees new relationships born every week at sessions held in Swindon, Wiltshire.

While most speed dating events last no longer than three minutes, Slow Dating gives couples an extra minute for those all-important first connections.

“I don’t think there’s an age when people stop seeking companionship,” Ms. Cleminson said.

This year, Slow Dating planned 346 events for people over 50.

This number represents 40.71% of the events organised by the company, which means an increase of approximately 21% compared to previous years.

Although Ms Cleminson was initially sceptical about the effectiveness of speed dating, she now believes there is “science behind it”.

“When you think about spending three, four minutes talking to someone who doesn’t have the same energy as you or is just not your type of person, that can be a really long time,” she said.

Slow Dating events are attended by “all sorts” of age groups, but Ms Cleminson says the largest group of participants are people over 50.

“People this age don’t want to meet through apps.

“This isn’t a generation that grew up with their phones strapped to their hands. This is a generation that courted, dated, and called landlines to talk to people.

“This is a generation that wants to interact – speed dating has allowed for that personal, face-to-face connection,” she said.

She added that people over 50 have “lived their lives to the fullest”, with many having had previous marriages, long-term relationships and children.

“They know what they’re bringing to the table … they can be a little more ruthless. It’s refreshing,” Ms. Cleminson said.

Our Time, a dating site for people over 50, found that older generations are more confident than their younger counterparts when it comes to finding a partner.

Kate Taylor, a dating expert, said: “I’ve always thought it was because of the many interactions we have with people throughout our lives – lots of job interviews, first dates and meeting friends – all those micro-doses of meeting new people.

“You may think they are unimportant, but they are not.

“They really give you a good opportunity to ask questions and get to know someone.”

Ms Taylor appealed to singles to “believe the positive stories” of couples who met on speed dating or the internet.

“Don’t trust your friend who tried it once and got screwed.

“People are finding love, friendship and companionship every day through online dating,” she added.

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