From speed dating to getting on your bike... five ways to rediscover romance in ... trends now
For the older person, meeting that special someone can provide a range of benefits – from tackling loneliness to easing physical ailments.
According to a wealth of data, the positive spin-offs of a romantic relationship can help with a variety of illnesses from depression to heart disease. Research also shows that single people in later life are 20 per cent more likely to die earlier than the average for their age group.
But statistics also show that the number of single, older Britons is higher than ever, with more than three million living alone following the death of a partner. Researchers also predict that so-called 'grey divorces' will triple by 2030.
Over the past two weeks, The Mail on Sunday has brought you a series of creative and fun ways to beat loneliness, as part of our partnership with charity Age UK.
For the older person, meeting that special someone can provide a range of benefits – from tackling loneliness to easing physical ailments (stock photo)
This week, we offer help to those who may be looking for a little more than friendship.
From cookery classes to ghost tours, we've scoured the UK for groups and events that specialise in connecting older singletons.
MURDER, MYSTERY... AND MATCHMAKING
WHAT IS IT?
RSVP is a service across England, Wales and Scotland offering fine-dining, black-tie balls, party nights, walks and weekends away to single people, mainly over 50.
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From relaxed Sunday lunches to murder mystery evenings, RSVP holds a variety of singles events at least once a month. The experienced matchmaking team also runs a dating service where members are connected based on interests – with no need to trawl through lots of dating profiles.
'At our events, you'll always find friendly hosts to make introductions and take nervous guests under their wing,' says Karen Harvie of RSVP. 'Some people are dating again after divorce or bereavement and I've seen their confidence flourish. There's always fun, laughter and chatting.'
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Visit rsvp-int.co.uk. Membership costs a one-off payment of £745 and then £32.99 per month.
YOU'RE NEVER TOO OLD FOR SPEED DATING
WHAT IS IT?
Date In A Dash organises weekly speed dating events at hotels, clubs and restaurants in London and, as of January, in Bristol, Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham.
Date In A Dash organises weekly speed dating events at hotels, clubs and restaurants in London and, as of January, in Bristol, Brighton, Manchester and Birmingham (stock photo)
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Events are organised into age ranges, including 40 to 60, where participants enjoy five-minute mini-dates with the members of the opposite sex.
Sessions last two hours and women sit at a designated table, with men moving between them. The daters then note who they are keen to see again. Results are emailed to participants, and at least 80 per cent score a 'match'.
Managing director Rob Ryall says: 'People often mingle in the bar afterwards or stay for a drink.'
SIGN ME UP!
Visit dateinadash.com. Events cost between £15 and £20.
SADDLE UP AND FIND LOVE ON A BIKE RIDE
WHAT IS IT?
Stitch is an online community for over-50s promoting friendships and romance through shared interests.
The not-for-profit platform encourages users to organise hobby-based activities between themselves – and advertises them on the site.
Stitch is an online community for over-50s promoting friendships and romance through shared interests. People can then search via their own hobbies to find a match – with interests ranging from long cycle rides (stock photo) to fine-dining
