According to Consumer Rankings, the top senior dating site is Match.com. But what do you do if your parent is computer illiterate and doesn’t have a clue about how to find a date online?
In answer to this question, two brothers took matters into their own hands and started a website they call My Lovely Parent. However, the website, which is currently targeted for the UK market, should most assuredly become available to US seniors fairly soon.
What is the Purpose of My Lovely Parent?
This website that was started by two brothers, Matt and Tim Connolly, was designed for the purpose of helping seniors meet acceptable mates. They came up with the idea for the site when they saw how lonely their mother, in her 60s, was without a companion to share her life with. Yet the problem arose that their mom didn’t have a clue about how to go online to seek a gentleman’s companionship. So what the brothers did was set up a website where the children of older parents could set Mom or Dad up with a profile and then monitor the site as well as surf the website in search of the perfect potential step parent. Another positive aspect for financially strapped children is that the website is (currently) completely free.
How Does the Website Function?
First, users need to be aware that the website is still in beta testing, so one needs to be patient if there are still some minor glitches. However, once you manage to get your aging parent’s profile posted, you are free to surf the site in search of the perfect fit for your parent. The site also makes it possible for the children of one senior to communicate with the children of other seniors in order to determine if there is any chance that their parents could be compatible. If the senior doesn’t have a child of their own to help with this process, I would venture a guess that another close relative could assist the senior to explore their dating options.
Are There Other Sites That Have Been Dedicated to Assist Seniors Who Wish to Maneuver Through the Senior Dating Maze?
Though the sites listed below also cater to other groups of daters, these groups have dedicated areas strictly for seniors. In fact, Consumer Ranking has listed the websites by popularity as well as by satisfaction by users. The top five ranked websites for seniors are:
- Match.com is now the world’s largest dating service. There are currently 2.5 million mature people profiled under the seniors section of the website.
- eHarmony.com states that it has over 1.2 million seniors visiting its site. This online dating service states that it is assisting people to find long and lasting relationships.
- Chemistry.com has 940,000 seniors listed on its site and relies on extensive user input to find the right mate for seniors looking for a new relationship.
- PerfectMatch.com has a senior membership of 375,000 seniors with what the company claims to be an easy-to-search database of local seniors in your area.
- Lavalife.com claims an audience of 300,000 and offers video options, a chatting service, and mobile texting services.
Since we all know that loneliness can be devastating for anyone, I would venture a guess that loneliness for seniors can be complicated due to the added cost of health issues. These issues can be devastating even with a mate or companion who cares about a senior’s well-beling, but having someone else gives anyone more incentive to take care of themselves. Because of this alone, I believe that all of us would want to take a lonely parent under our wing and help them find a new mate.
Comments welcome.
Source: Consumer Ranking
Source: My Lovely Parents
I can see how this might work, but how many kids are actually THAT willing to hook their mom or dad up?
Teen 1: So what does your mom do for fun?
Teen 2: I don’t know, I’m usually in the basement.
Teen 1: Is she there? Can you ask her?
Teen 2: *sighs* ..I guess, but you’re gonna have to wait ’cause I just got into the ‘LOST’ series and I HAVE to figure out what this latch business is all about. I’m guessing it’s a submarine that was buried over time. Do you watch Lost?
Teen 1: Umm.. I did.
Teen 2: Cool. Don’t tell me what happens, I wanna find out.
Teen 1: Is there any way your mom could just call my dad?
— 10 minutes later —-
Teen 2: Omg, I hate when shows do cliff hangers! I hope this show doesn’t do that often.
I can see how this might work, but how many kids are actually THAT willing to hook their mom or dad up?
Teen 1: So what does your mom do for fun?
Teen 2: I don’t know, I’m usually in the basement.
Teen 1: Is she there? Can you ask her?
Teen 2: *sighs* ..I guess, but you’re gonna have to wait ’cause I just got into the ‘LOST’ series and I HAVE to figure out what this latch business is all about. I’m guessing it’s a submarine that was buried over time. Do you watch Lost?
Teen 1: Umm.. I did.
Teen 2: Cool. Don’t tell me what happens, I wanna find out.
Teen 1: Is there any way your mom could just call my dad?
— 10 minutes later —-
Teen 2: Omg, I hate when shows do cliff hangers! I hope this show doesn’t do that often.
This reminds me of some Mary Kate and Ashley Olson movie…I’m creeped out that I know that….
Ha! It totally does seem like a movie they would do.
I would rather tutor seniors to be computer literate.
I think it’s great that so many varieties of dating sites exist for different people.
Strange. A good idea though, people dont need less love just because they are older
thats a great thing technology opening the world to those who may be more isolated
It’s easy to forget there’s still so many untapped audiences out there. Many of them just need help getting themselves going. This kind of issue never even crossed my mind until now.
Anything that helps spread love is alright by me. I think its great! 8/24/12
I think this is an awesome idea and very kind of these guys to do something to help their mom. I would think that creating a simple intuitive web platform would also be necessary for independent seniors that would probably scoff at their kids trying to help set them up with dates.
The article is great. It will help people that need the help in finding love
Wow do the kids have to talk to the other seniors kids to see if their parents are compatible? Why not just get phone numbers. I’m sorry, but as much as I flew out to help my Grandma back in Phoenix, she was still dating at 84 and she wouldn’t allow her grand-daughter or anyone else to get that involved in her personal decisions. I’m glad it’s free though. Though still in beta. The kids can start the process and the hand it off to the seniors. I’m glad that the more ‘traditional’ sites have similar services. And I agree that loneliness is a BIG factor in health and happiness. Applause to them.
I see this being a good thing and/or a bad thing…. I think in the end finding the person is right for YOU is best. This is almost like pre-planned marriages that happened (and happen) abroad
I totally agree even though im young i still look for a friendship
i still look for a good friendship
Well, I think it is different for different people. Just another internet dating site, right?
This sounds excellent. I’ve witnessed the effects that a long-time partner’s death can have on an elderly person, and it tends to turn out far worse than if they were younger. I have several people in mind that could/need to use this service.
Oh no way, if someone signed me up to a dating site to pick out a mate for me I’d disown them.
The fact is most people wouldn’t be comfortable finding partners for there parents or grand parents
Hopefully I would not need to find love at an old age because hopefully I already found her! As for my parents, I hope they stay together forever!
Thanks for the mention Ron and the video Chris. If any of you guys or your readers want an invite to the US beta simply sign up at http://www.myLovelyParent.com. Would love to get as many people on board as early as possible. And if you’ve any questions shout me at matt@myLovelyParent.com
Keep up the good work. Matt
Ron, you may not be aware of POF.com, the biggest free dating site in the world. I live in Vancouver BC and am able to have a busy dating life from people I’ve met at POF despite only being a free member.