Getting back into the world of dating after being married for many years can be intimidating. Online dating sites can make the process easier. Using online dating sites that cater to widows and widowers is a way to specify the criteria you are looking for and get matched with someone who has something in common with you.
Widows or Widowers
Widows or Widowers is an ideal dating site for senior widows and widowers who are looking for friendship or romance. To begin using this site for free, you will be asked to create a profile with information such as gender, birthdate, first name, email, and a password. You will then be asked to review the site's terms and accept. At this point, you can create a profile and add a photo.
You can add as much detail about yourself that as you want by answering questions, writing a brief description about yourself or checking off items that are of interest to you. To take advantage of the free introduction to the site, you are required to upload a photo and write a profile summary.
Widows and Widowers Dating Site Features
Some free features of this secured site are browsing profiles of other widowed singles in your area and sending free messages to those around you. If you want to upgrade your account, you can select a term of one, three, or six months or a full year. Price depends on your selection. For example, a one month upgrade is priced at around $30. A full year is billed monthly at around $12. An upgraded account will give you unlimited contact, an online dating diary and the ability to read and reply to messages.
Success Stories
Widows or Widowers received accolades for being a "compassionate" dating website and for their thoughtful advice.
Widowers Dating Site
Widowers Dating is a site that allows senior widows and widowers to connect with others in their area. To begin using the site, you will be asked to verify your age and enter your location. You will then create an account by entering your email and selecting a user name. You can also select an option to get a free membership to DatingaWidower.net. Members will not be able to view your profile until your information is complete.
Site Features
A basic membership to the site is free and will allow you to browse the site, view other member profiles, edit your profile and send flirts. After completing your profile, you can opt to upgrade your membership for one or three months. A one month upgrade is around $30 and a three-month upgrade is billed at nearly $15 a month. The advantages of an upgraded membership include sending unlimited messages and flirts, seeing the full profile and photographs of members and being able to see who is viewing your personal profile. In addition, you can block members to add them to a private list.
Just Widower Dating
Just Widower Dating is a free site that is easy to start using. You will first agree to the site's terms then create an introduction that other members can see. You can then upload a photo to your profile and answer specific questions to better help match you to other singles. Questions include specifics about children, occupation, and smoking and drinking preferences.
Site Features
Some free features of this site include searching for others based on location, creating a video profile and communicating directly to other widows by instant messaging. You also get free telephone support.
Upgraded memberships are also available for a fee. For example, you can pay by one, three or six months or for an entire year. A one-month membership costs almost $20. A one-year membership is billed at around $10 a month. Upgraded membership will give you benefits such as being able to send gifts to other members, chatting online, reading and sending messages and writing a personal dating diary.
Senior Friend Finder
Senior Friend Finder is a secured dating site tailored for singles over the age of 60. To become a free member, you will need to create a profile with a user name, password, zip code and other standard information. While this site is not tailored to widows only, once you get to the marital status section, you can select widow to match with other widowed singles in your area.
Site Features
At Senior Friend Finder, members can take part in chat rooms, browse photo galleries and instant message others on the site. There is a useful help section where you can find answers to common questions as well as instructions on how to message another member or to change your profile.
You can upgrade to a silver or gold status membership and pay either by month or every three months. For example, a one-month silver membership is less than $25 and a three-month silver membership is billed at around $15 each month for three months. Payments are automatically drafted from a credit card. Upgraded membership gives you features such as viewing and contacting new members before those with a free membership can, showing up in the top of searches, getting full access to other members' video introductions and getting full access to blogs and groups. You also get 24/7 phone support. There are also options to pay extra to enhance or profile or to highlight your listing.
Member Blogs
A useful feature of Senior Friend Finder is the blog section. Here you can read other members' blogs to hear about their personal experiences. You can browse blogs by location or topic. For example, you can search blogs on senior travel or grand-parenting as well as hobbies and current events. Members can freely discuss topics of interest and even give helpful information on how their dating experience has been on the site.
Match.com
Though this popular dating site is not specific to widows or widowers, Match.com was voted the #1 dating website for widows in 2019 by DatingAdvice.com. Match.com was one of the first dating websites, and through the years has built up an impressive database of singles. Nearly 30% of members fall within the range of Baby Boomers and more than 90% either attended college or have college degrees. Read the numerous success stories of those brought together by this website.
Site Features
All members start with a free account, which allows them the opportunity to peruse the database. Depending upon the current offer, free trial members may not be able to contact other singles within the database while the account is free. Paid subscriptions can be purchased in three-month, six-month increments, or 12-month increments; the monthly cost goes down when you sign up for an entire year (around $21/month). Match offers paying subscribers the opportunity to "Power Up," which costs a little more but offers additional benefits varying from attendance at Match-sponsored events to highlighting a profile.
Safety Features
Match.com takes steps to ensure the safety of their members. All profiles and photos are reviewed by staff to ensure appropriateness and privacy of members (including names and locations) are kept private until the member decides to reveal this information to someone else; this is accomplished through an anonymous email system.
Entering the Dating World Again on Widow Dating Sites
If you keep your safety a priority and are aware of possible scams, you will likely find that senior dating sites can be a great way for you to get back out into the world of dating after losing a spouse. Many of these sites cater to widows and are able to match them with others who share in their experience.
