Click here for Over 60s dating uk <,strong>,Tola Onanuga<,/strong>, suggests great ways to meet someone new, from social networking to volunteer work<,/p>, A dating guide for the over-60s. Dating isn't the sole preserve of the young and the restless: many people find themselves back in the game later in life. Dating can be a fun, exhilarating and ultimately life-changing experience. But if you want it to change your life for the better, you need to know how to get the most from your dates. These tips will give you a good chance of success. Online dating. There's no longer a stigma attached to e-dating, and these days there's a wealth of specialist sites aimed solely at the 50+ and 60+ age groups. Here's a round-up of some of the best: UK Mature Dating ukmaturedating.com An easy-to-use, no-nonsense site that is perfect for beginners. Over 50s over50s.co.uk Much more than just a dating site, it also offering a wealth of tips, suggestions and advice for would-be daters. Fifty Already fiftyalready.com/dating Charges for membership, which may not suit everybody, but fee-paying sites do tend to attract more serious candidates and discourage time-wasters. My Single Friend mysinglefriend.com Not strictly for older daters, but the beauty of this site is that your friends do all the hard work for you. Get them to create your profile and then pair you up with potential suitors they think would be your ideal match. Non-specialist sites There's no need to avoid the more mainstream dating sites, as many attract a diverse range of ages. Use recommendations from friends and family - someone you know is bound to be familiar with dating websites. As with any company offering a popular service, it pays to do your research. Some sites may charge a fee, others may only be partially free. Bear in mind that with many sites it's not always immediately obvious which elements are completely without cost. It's worth finding this out before you create your profile, as the last thing you want is to be unable to respond to a message from the future love of your life. Another point to remember is that safety first is not just a mantra for kids. Always make sure that someone knows when you're going on a date, be wary of online imposters, never respond to calls for money or financial details, and only hand over personal details, such as your phone number and email address, if you feel comfortable and ready. Holiday clubs. Why should the 18-30s have all the fun? Whether it's camping in Cumbria or cruising the Caribbean, there's a singles holiday to suit you. Specialist holiday firms cater for almost every demographic, and solo trips for the older generation has become a very lucrative business. This is good news for the savvy consumer, as there's more choice than ever before. Saga holidays saga.co.uk/travel-shop Offers a wide variety of activities, from skiing to sightseeing, in some of the most romantic and exotic locations in the world. Just You justyou.co.uk Specialises in singles holidays and caters to a diverse age group. It has a supportive online community and allows you the option of pre-travel meet-ups, so you can get to know some of your fellow travellers beforehand. British Tours britishtours.com Offers a huge variety of excursions and guided tours to every corner of the UK. Social networking. Forums and discussion boards are a good way to dip your toe in the sea of socialising before you decide to take the full plunge. Age Concern ageconcern.org.uk/community A friendly and responsive set of regular users make the community section of the site a welcoming place. Finer Day finerday.co.uk A Facebook-style site for the more mature user. It's simple and straightforward to use, and has a sense of fun. Volunteering. After you retire it can be difficult to replace the camaraderie that you had with your work colleagues. Volunteering is a great way to forge new relationships with like-minded people, and has the added benefit of knowing you're contributing to a worthwhile cause. Charity shops are often crying out for help and could be just the ticket if you're looking to meet people in a relaxed environment. If you prefer the great outdoors, then why not get involved in a conservation project ? There are plenty of options on the National Trust website. For an overview of exactly what volunteering options are out there or personalised advice on what would suit you the best, try the Volunteering website. It publishes a large database of activities people can get involved in. Your local Citizens Advice Bureau can also point you in the right direction. Activities. It's never too late to learn a new skill, and in doing so you could meet a potential partner. Increasing your skill set is also a great confidence-booster. Become a silver surfer Sign up for an IT class - it's an opportunity to socialise, as well as learn. Put your new-found web skills to use by signing up to online dating and social networking sites (see above), further boosting your chances of finding love. Strictly go dancing The nation's insatiable appetite for TV dancing shows has put traditional ballroom dancing clubs back in vogue. Don't be afraid about turning up solo - many people go on their own and pair up with a stranger. Dance Web allows you to search for events by town or county. Get crafty From knitting to model train building, craft clubs offer a fun way to keep your mind active and share your hobbies with others. Be a bookworm Join a book club to find someone who shares your passion for literature. This online database makes it simple to find a book club or reading group in your area. Ramble on Joining a walking club allows you to keep fit, socialise and get some fresh air, all at the same time. Check out the Rambler's Association for details about your local group. Out and about. You never know where romance could be lurking. Take the opportunity to attend school or work reunions - reigniting old friendships could lead to something more. Friends Reunited and its sister site, Friends Reunited Dating, make this wonderfully easy.
