What to Expect When Dating a Man Over 50

If you’re a woman in later years looking for a mature man around your own age, there are some things you should expect. This list isn't meant to scare you—it’s to help you experience the dating scene with greater ease.

First off, they might help you feel less crazy, because if you’ve been dating, surely you’ve noticed them!

Secondly, as a dating coach for the last 20 years, I know that having your eyes wide open is the best way to feel equipped when these things come up.

Rather than being surprised or disillusioned, you can focus on navigating early dating.

The journey to finding a long-term partner is much more fun and fruitful if you understand the dynamics of this age group before jumping in.

Here are the 7 things I want you to know:

1) He’s Set in His Ways

By middle age, we’ve been around the block enough to think we’ve learned a thing or two. We think we know ourselves, how to communicate, and what’s important in life. Mature men are no different. It’s not a sign of arrogance for a man to think he knows what’s right and wants to stick to his current preferences and opinions. 

Try to think of it as wisdom and confidence, a product of life experience. That said, someone who lacks the emotional maturity to listen to your ways of thinking and doing things is not the man for you. There is a definite balance to be struck. Mutual respect and open communication are musts!

2) There Will Be Baggage From Past Relationships

With older age comes habits and behaviors that are well-calcified, and there may also be past traumas. By the time we get to be over 50, we’ve weathered many past experiences: health issues, empty nesting, troubled relationships, harmful habits, death of loved ones, career surprises and setbacks, and so much more.

Like you, a man over 50 has a history, and it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. In a healthy relationship, two people have gained greater wisdom from their pasts and come together in the spirit of putting that learning into practice to make a new and better relationship.

3) He Wants to Be Appreciated

Men of any age really value being seen through the eyes of love and acceptance, but older men even more so. A mature man worked hard to be who he is, and sometimes has had to overcome great hurdles.

They know they are not perfect, but they want to be given the benefit of the doubt that they’ve tried hard, thought things through, and earned the position they’ve achieved in life. Men really like to be appreciated for their hard work, courage, and loyalty, and it makes them want to keep on providing those things until they literally physically can’t anymore. How heroic!

When a woman in his stage of life offers genuine appreciation, it fuels his desire to continue in this vein.

4) He Hasn’t Given Up on Love or a Committed Relationship

They may be older, but men over 50 have not given up on companionship and love, or, in most cases, sex. It would be impossible to guess by looking at an older man how interested he may be in finding a partner or having an active sex life again.

Since you can never be sure, dating sites are a great place to find older, single men who are ready to find love and/or romance again. Older men tend to have fewer friendships than older women, so they are likely even lonelier than we are. They want companionship as much or more than we do.

5) Health (Sexual Dysfunction) Can Be an Issue

It would be foolish to expect anyone over the age of 50 to have no physical health concerns at all. Your care and understanding will go a long way. If you end up together, you’ll both be caring for each other as you age, so don’t rule out the notion that you both come with some “liabilities” in that department to begin with.

Health issues include those in the bedroom. Sexual health must be a consideration.  Erectile Dysfunction is especially prevalent among men over 50, and there is a lot you can do to understand the issues and help your partner move through them. A good partner approaches these conversations with empathy, knowing that emotional depth matters as much as physical fixes.

6) No Two Men Are the Same

Don’t expect the next man over 50 to be like the last one you dated. Just like you don’t want to be compared to anyone else your man has dated, neither does he. Even though I am trying to set expectations here, the only true generalization I can make is that every mature man is different!

This is a little hard for us to truly grok, but it’s great news. It means none of your past disappointments mean you will be disappointed in the same way again, especially if you learn from the red flags you may have stepped over and stay focused on looking for what you most want in a loving companion.

Your love life can get better in your golden years if you keep your mind open and your baggage in the past, where it belongs.

7) Good News: He Can Learn New Tricks

While a mature man's extensive life experience may weigh him down, one who’s young at heart can surprise you. Many in this age group are still eager to explore new people, experiences, and ideas—especially when it’s for the right reasons.

In other words: Just because he’s an old dog doesn't mean he can’t learn new tricks! Your man grew up in the 60s or 70s, so he knows a thing or two about ch ch changes. Just because he’s seasoned doesn’t mean he’s not up for learning something new.

If you are young at heart enough to be reading this blog, you’re going to attract a man who is also young at heart, and that means continuously reading, seeking new knowledge and experiences, and being willing to compromise and even change in honor of love!

Believe it! Or if you are having trouble believing it, see me after class ;) 

Frequently Asked Questions about Dating a Man Over 50

1. How can I tell if a man over 50 is truly ready for a relationship?

Pay attention to whether he’s emotionally available and open to communication. If he talks about the future, makes consistent plans, and shows interest in your life, he’s likely ready.

2. What’s the best way to handle differences in routines or habits?

Have open, respectful conversations early. Decide together which routines are important to keep and where you can compromise.

3. Should I expect health-related challenges in dating men over 50?

Possibly, yes. But the key is to approach any health topic—including sexual health—with empathy, understanding, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

4. How do I keep the spark alive with a mature partner?

Plan shared activities, show appreciation, try new experiences together, and keep communication about intimacy and connection open.

5. What’s the biggest mistake women make when dating men in this age group?

Assuming all older men are the same. Each man has unique experiences, values, and personality traits—so approach each relationship with curiosity instead of comparison.

Love,