Gender differences in 60+ dating
How do men and women over 60 differ in their search for a new partner? A data-driven analysis.
Key Figures
71
Average age men
71 years
70
Average age women
70 years
Gender Ratio
What is the distribution between men and women on the platform? (n=18.910)
57%
Men
43%
Women
Insight: The gender ratio is 57 men to 43 women.
On the platform, men are in the majority. This is partly because women more often make new connections through their social network, whilst men are more likely to search online. For women, this means more choice; for men, a good profile is particularly important to stand out.
60dating.com — Gender differences in 60+ dating
On 60dating.com, the gender ratio is 57 men to 43 women (2026).
Age Distribution by Gender
Are male and female members the same age? The distribution by age group (n=18.910).
Insight: The average age of men is 71 years, compared to 70 years for women.
Men on the platform are on average slightly older than women. However, the age difference is small, suggesting realistic expectations from both genders.
Platforminzicht
The data shows that the average age difference between male and female members is less than 2 years. Both genders predominantly search within their own age group.
Marital Status by Gender
Divorced, widowed or single? The background differs markedly by gender (n=10.099).
Widowed
Divorced
Single
Married
In a relationship
Prefer not to say
Insight: 35,3% of women are widowed, compared to 35,8% of men. This figure shows the percentage per gender, not the distribution within the widowed group itself.
On the platform, the proportion of widowed members is nearly equal between men and women. Nationally, women are more often widowed (higher life expectancy), but on dating sites widowed men are relatively overrepresented. Men are also more often divorced. This difference in background influences how both groups approach dating: widowed people often seek emotional connection, whilst divorced men are sometimes quicker to look for a new relationship.
Platforminzicht
The data shows that the percentage of widowed members is nearly equal for men and women on the platform. Nationally, the Australian Bureau of Statistics records that the majority of widowed people are female, but platform data and population data are not directly comparable (self-selection vs population register).
60dating.com — Gender differences in 60+ dating
35,3% of female members on 60dating.com are widowed, compared to 35,8% of men (2026). The Australian Bureau of Statistics nationally records that the majority of widowed people are female; these figures are not directly comparable with platform data (self-selection).
Relationship Preferences by Gender
What are men and women looking for? Relationship type, living arrangement and pace compared (n=4.088).
What men are looking for
Relationship type
Living together
Pace
What women are looking for
Relationship type
Living together
Pace
Insight: Women more often choose friendship first (64%), whilst men more often seek a romantic relationship directly (38%).
The biggest difference lies in the desired pace and relationship type. Women approach dating more cautiously and place greater value on a gradual build-up. Men more often seek a romantic partner directly. This difference sometimes leads to miscommunication: understanding each other's pace is crucial for a successful match.
Platforminzicht
The data shows that women more often choose friendship first, whilst men seek a romantic relationship more quickly. This difference in pace explains why first messages sometimes miss each other.
60dating.com — Gender differences in 60+ dating
64% of women over 60 on 60dating.com seek friendship first, whilst 38% of men seek a romantic relationship directly (2026). This difference in pace is the largest gender difference on the platform.
Three notable gender differences
More men than women
Men are in the majority on the platform. For women this means more choice; for men, a complete profile is particularly important.
Difference in pace
Women more often take their time and choose friendship first. Men seek a romantic relationship more quickly. Understanding this difference increases the chance of a good match.
Widowed evenly distributed
On the platform, the percentage of widowed members is nearly equal for men and women. Nationally, women are more often widowed (Australian Bureau of Statistics), but platform data and population data are not directly comparable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there more men or women on 60+ dating sites?
On 60dating.com, men are slightly in the majority. This is typical for dating sites aimed at seniors. For women, this means more choice when looking for a partner.
What is the age difference between male and female members?
The average age difference is small. Men are on average 1 years older than women on 60dating.com, suggesting realistic age expectations.
Do men and women look for the same things in a relationship?
Not entirely. Women more often choose a gradual build-up through friendship, whilst men more often seek a romantic relationship directly. Both groups value companionship and emotional connection.
How many seniors date after losing a partner?
On 60dating.com, the percentage of widowed members is nearly equal for men and women (approximately 35,3%). Many seniors discover online dating after their social circle has become smaller.
Methodology
Demographic figures are based on members who logged in during 2026 on 60dating.com, broken down by gender.
By 'active' we mean members who logged in at least once within the past 12 months on 60dating.com.
The sample comprises 15.000+ members who logged in during 2026 with a completed profile.
Percentages are calculated across members who completed the relevant field. Not all members complete every profile field.
The data is automatically updated every 12 hours.
No personal data is shared. All percentages are calculated from aggregated, anonymised data.
The data concerns users of 60dating.com and is not representative of all Australian over-60s.
For the smallest sample (n=4.088), the margin of error is approximately 1,5% at 95% confidence.
Sources & context
About this analysis
This analysis of gender differences was compiled by the data team at 60dating.com, based on 15.000+ active members who logged in during 2026. 60dating.com has been active as a dating platform for over-60s in Australia since 2015.
Data team 60dating.com
60dating.com
Curious who's right for you?
Sign up for free and discover the gender ratio in your area.
Sign up free