Ok, so like everyone who reads my blog and looks at my websites coupla hundred pages is going to seriously laugh at this issue and question I received. Because of course, you all are looking at my blog and website from a computer. You probably have a laptop and a computer of some kind (maybe even a Mac, in which case your lingo is different). But seriously, a number of older baby boomer singles, folks over 50 and 60 (and with the longevity of life, that means likely another 30-40 years of life, why live it single only when you are desiring a life partner, companionship, and passionate intimacy? exactly) ask me
“Do I have to have a computer of my own to join in the internet dating bonanza?”
Well, no, you don’t.
With the prevalence of computers available for public use at community centers, senior centers, recreation centers, and at public libraries, really, you do not absolutely have to have a computer of your own to jump online, post a profile, and participate in online dating. Some seniors and older single boomers are even using the computer and internet connection at a friend’s house when they don’t have computer at home.
It’s just when that is the case, you will need to be sure to get online about once every 24-36 hours. Because singles respond and email each other have an expectation of receiving a reply typically within about a 24 hours. 36 hour is a little bit of a stretch but still doable. It’s just, you lose the interest momentum when you wait to respond days upon days later to someone’s email. They will wonder when you do respond, “What’s wrong? Aren’t they interested?” Subtly you are sending the wrong message.
Now for the over 60 crowd, you can simply tell your prospective date, “I don’t have a computer at home. So, there might be a little delay in my responses to you.” And they won’t think you are terribly out of date with the times. They are mutually a little more forbearing about technology not being your forte. Just do keep in mind that you want to aim to get back online within about 36 hours.
Ok, and all the rest of you Millenials, GenY and GenXrs as well as those of the second wave of the Baby Boom generation, just be kind as you hit your 40s and 50s plus where you might have a computer at your office but maybe not one at home.
Note: 2019, in this day and age, most Americans have either their own home computer, Mac or Pc, or at least an inexpensive tablet. Still, it’s good to know about alternative ways to get online at the dating sites or singles apps especially when traveling. Not every single over 50 uses a smart phone. When I watch tv ads for Consumer Cellular, I still plenty of folks over 50 using flip phones or mini-flat phones like the old Nokia phones styles which don’t support using Dating Apps. So if that’s you, you’re going to need to have a plan to get online to check and respond to messages at least once every 24-36 hours.
Singles over 50 plus are a bit more forbearing and don’t expect instantaneous responses to their dating missives to Prospective Dates the way that younger generations who grew up literally with their smart phones attached to them by a tether do. Single men and women have a life and a professional life and realize that you’re in meetings and working during the day and won’t necessarily be sending messages to their Potential Dates all during the work day. Better to do that after work hours in the evenings at home or during your public transit commute on the train.
Happy Dating and Relationships,
April Braswell
Las Vegas Baby Boomer Dating Over 50 Expert
Follow and Engage with April on Twitter: @AprilBraswell
Pam Schulz says
October 12, 2009 at 9:44 PMFascinating how technology plays out in the online dating world for different generations.
Pam
Keri Eagan says
October 12, 2009 at 10:40 PMI feel ignored after only 12 hours….maybe I’m the demanding kind? I couldn’t imagine having to use a public computer I’d feel too obvious.
Keri Eagan
Lynn Lane says
October 13, 2009 at 12:19 AMApril,
I don’t know how I could go without my laptop for very long. It goes with me like my wallet. 🙂
Lynn Lane —>The Warrior Of Success
Jose Escalante says
October 13, 2009 at 2:40 AMNo computer? Wow I can’t imagine that, it’s definitely important to have one
Jose Escalante
Katie says
October 13, 2009 at 4:22 AMMy Grandmother will be 83 next week and she can’t imagine life without her computer. She’s online daily. I get the call when something goes down that she can’t fix herself . . . cool granny eh?
She’s also be clever enough to buy an in-home warranty to have a repair service at her fingertips. Don’t slow this little ol’ lady down!
Katie
John Ho says
October 13, 2009 at 6:44 AMSome people starting at the md-50’s bracket are techno phobic.
Young ones can’t live without electonic mobile devices and access to the interent.
Good advice for how to handle the issue of not having your own computer.
John Ho
Jennifer Battaglino says
October 13, 2009 at 11:41 AMYou are a riot! How true it is that we totally rely on technology for all of our communication these days. Not necessarily bad but I am sure you have blogged on how that can effect dating, not initially having the first in person meeting without several emails first to feel out whether or not you want to meet.
Ok I’m rambling but great blog as usual!
Jennifer
The Harwood Center – Tinnitus, Chronic Illness, Fears, and Anxiety
Martin says
October 13, 2009 at 12:16 PM…but if they don’t have a portable computer, they’ll miss out on all the raunchy laptop dancing!!
Rob Northrup says
October 13, 2009 at 12:35 PMEveryone needs a computer. No matter how old they are. And an Internet connection.
Lisa says
October 13, 2009 at 4:39 PMI really can’t imagine how anyone can live without a computer! It feels like withdrawals if I don’t get to check my e-mail at least 3 times a day.
MissMentor
Robert Martin says
October 13, 2009 at 7:10 PMIt is amazing how important time is for people who use the Internet. In the automotive industry those who reply the quickest usually get the business.
Robert Martin
Steve Chambers says
October 14, 2009 at 12:42 AMInternet access is so omnipresent nowadays I imagine you can find ways around it. Thanks for the tips.
Steve Chambers
Sales Training Speaker
Lisa McLellan says
October 14, 2009 at 7:36 PMMy mom is 75+ and she just got a new computer. She mentioned trying to meet someone online because her friend did and my sister did. I hope she does.
Lisa McLellan
Child Care Expert,
Babysitting Services, Babysitting Tips, Babysitters, Nannies
Kate McKeon says
October 15, 2009 at 6:08 AMgood idea to warn folks that you might not have 24/7 access to computer, it’s so automatic nowadays that I get emails of frustration when I am offline for a few hours traveling . . . I used to have my clients trained much better. I must reset expectations. Thanks for the inadvertent reminder!
Mastery and Team Building, Kate McKeon
Darryl Pace says
October 15, 2009 at 6:38 PMGreat info for the more senior daters out there.
Health, Fitness for Working People — Darryl Pace
Nihal says
September 18, 2015 at 10:47 PMalreadyIs it wrong for me (guy who just turned 24 a month ago) to date a girl who is going to be 19 in a month?I met this girl on a about a month ago.. We have been out 7 times in the psesad 2 weeks, and we like spending time with each other alot and things are going great so far. But i still have this doubt in my mind that its wrong for me to date someone 5 years younger. Even though it is legal, do you think its wrong of me to be dating a 19 year old or is it fine?