Dating after losing a partner
How widows and widowers seek love again later in life
Key figures at a glance
36%
Widowed
of all members have lost a partner
56.1%
Men
of widowed members are male (vs 43.9% female)
74
Average age
years at sign-up after loss
52%
Friendship first
seek friendship first, then more
Marital status of our members
What proportion of over-60s on our platform are widowed? (n=10.100)
Insight: 36% of members indicate they are widowed — a significant part of the 60-plus community.
Losing a life partner is one of the most profound experiences in a person's life. The fact that so many widowed over-60s sign up to a dating platform shows that the need for social contact does not disappear after bereavement. According to Age UK, a significant proportion of over-65s experience moderate to severe loneliness. A dating platform lowers the barrier to making connections from home.
Distribution of men and women
How does the gender ratio differ among widowed members? (n=3.591)
Distribution of men/women among widowed members
Of all men on the platform, 35.8% are widowed; for women this is 35.3%.
Insight: On the platform, men are in the majority among widowed members, whilst nationally women are overrepresented. This figure shows the distribution within the group of widowed members, not the percentage of widowed people per gender.
The ONS records a large number of widowed individuals nationally, the majority of whom are female. On this dating platform, widowed men are in the majority. These figures are not directly comparable: the ONS measures the entire population, whereas platform data concerns only those who actively sign up. A possible explanation is that men are more likely to seek out a dating platform after losing a partner, whilst women more often already have a broader social network.
Age distribution
At what age do widows and widowers take the step towards online dating? (n=3.591)
Insight: 28% of all widowed members fall within the 70-74 age group — the largest group.
Widowed members are on average slightly older than other members on the platform. This is logical: the older one gets, the greater the likelihood of losing a partner. At the same time, it shows that even at an advanced age, people take the step towards a fresh start.
74
Average age of widowed members
69
Average age of other members
What are widowed members looking for?
Friendship, companionship or a new relationship: wishes vary (n=1.428)
52%
Friendship first, then we'll see
Starting cautiously without expectations
31%
A new romantic relationship
Being open to new love
16%
Companionship and shared activities
Doing things together and overcoming loneliness
Insight: The majority of widowed members primarily seek friendship and companionship, not directly a new romantic relationship.
After losing a partner, the barrier to a new relationship is often high. Many widows and widowers first want to explore whether there is room for someone new, without the pressure of romantic expectations. Friendship provides a safe foundation for rebuilding trust.
Platforminzicht
The data shows that widowed members wait longer on average before starting a conversation than divorced members, but subsequently remain more active on the platform. The pattern suggests a deliberate choice, not impulse.
In the UK, the ONS records a large number of widowed individuals. Loneliness among over-65s is a growing societal issue (source: Age UK). Platform figures are not representative of this total group.
Platforminzicht
Prolonged loneliness among older people has serious consequences for mental and physical health, according to research. New social connections can be a protective factor.
60dating.com — Dating after losing a partner
On 60dating.com, 36% of 60-plus members are widowed (2026). For context: the ONS records a large number of widowed individuals nationally, the majority of whom are 65+. This platform figure and the ONS figure are not directly comparable (self-selection vs population register).
60dating.com — Distribution of men and women
On 60dating.com, more widowed men (35,8%) than women (35,3%) sign up (2026). Nationally, the majority of widowed individuals are female (ONS).
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I'm ready to date again after losing my partner?
There is no fixed moment when you are "ready". Many of our members say that the need for contact gradually returned. Start with what feels right: a cup of coffee, a walk, a conversation. You don't have to immediately look for a new relationship. Listen to your own feelings and give yourself the space to take steps at your own pace.
Is it normal to feel guilty about dating again?
Guilt is a common and entirely understandable reaction. It doesn't mean you are forgetting or betraying your partner. Making new connections is actually a sign of resilience. Many widowed members on our platform feel that their late partner would have wanted them to be happy again. Take the time you need and be gentle with yourself.
Is online dating on 60dating.com safe for widowed people?
60dating.com was designed specifically for over-60s. All profiles are manually reviewed and there is an active moderation team. You set the pace and never have to share more than you wish. Start with a free profile and discover at your leisure who suits you.
How do I tell my children that I want to start dating again?
Openness works best. Explain that you need companionship and connection, and that this doesn't diminish the memory of their other parent. Give your children time to adjust. Many members find that their children are ultimately glad their parent is enjoying life again.
Methodology
All data comes from members who logged in during 2026 on 60dating.com.
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 and completed their marital status.
Percentages are calculated across members who completed the relevant field. Not all members complete every profile field.
The figures are regularly updated to provide a current picture.
All data is fully anonymised and cannot be traced to individuals. No personal data is shared.
The data concerns users of 60dating.com and is not representative of all British over-60s.
For the smallest sample (n=1.428), the margin of error is approximately 2,6% at 95% confidence.
Sources & context
About this analysis
This analysis was carried out by the data team at 60dating.com, based on 15.000+ active members who logged in during 2026.
Data team 60dating.com
60dating.com
Want to experience it yourself?
Thousands of widowed people have gone before you. Create a profile with no obligation and discover who suits you.
Sign up free