Dating Over 50

Adults, Programs /

Working in libraries we are often asked for help setting up online dating profiles. Scammers often target seniors and those seeking romance so we wanted to provide some information on how to stay safe online while dating. While researching the topic I came across White Oak Library District’s Dating Over 50: Have Fun, Be Safe program led by Outreach Services Manager Tina Williams. Tina told me about the other topics her program had covered to help older adults gain more comfort and confidence in the dating world. With the assistance of community partners, the Kamloops Library hosted three sessions for older adults seeking companionship, and I had the most fun I have had in my library career to date. Roughly 28 brave souls showed up to each session and brought their questions, concerns, and stories. For those of you who missed it, here is all the information we shared.

A huge thank you to Tina Williams, Tara Holmes of Holmes Is Where the Heart Is Matchmaking Ltd., Lisa Purves and Emma Currie from ASK Wellness Society, and Dave Kehler, TNRL Computer Trainer.

Our first session, co-hosted by Tara Holmes, covered the basics of dating as an older adult. We talked about how to get out there, how to define what you are looking for, and some of the myths that influence our dating decisions.

Our second session, led by Lisa Purves and Emma Currie of ASK Wellness Society, was on mental, physical, and sexual health for older adults. In the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Centre for Communicable Diseases and Infection Control’s 2017 Surveillance Report, 22.9% of newly reported cases of HIV were in the 50+ age group, which is second only to the 31.2% from the 30–39 year old age group.

Our final session, which was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, addressed online dating. This session compares a variety of online dating platforms and how to be aware of romance scams.

Resources discussed:

Session 1 – Getting Out There:

Guest Speaker: Tara Holmes, Holmes is Where the Heart Is
https://holmesiswheretheheartis.ca

Session 2 – Health & Wellness:

Guest Speakers:
Lisa Purves, Community health Educator & BBI Health Navigator, l.purves@askwellness.ca
Emma Currie. Health Navigator / BBI, e.currie@askwellness.ca

  • Kamloops Mental Health and Substance Abuse (Interior Health)
    250-377-6500, North Shore: 250-376-7855, After Hours Help 250-377-0088
  • Get Checked Online: www.getcheckedonline.com  / Promo Code: Thompson
  • Kamloops Seniors Health & Wellness Centre: #61-700 Tranquille Rd
    250-312-3290, 8:00-4:00PM Monday – Friday
  • Kamloops Community YMCA-YWCA: https://www.kamloopsy.org/
  • Centre for Seniors Information: www.csikamloops.ca, info@csikamloops.ca
    CSI Activity Centre: Brock Shopping Centre, 9A 1800 Tranquille Road
    Hours: 9:00AM – 4:00PM  Monday – Friday Closed Holidays, (778) 470-6000
  • CSI Information Centre: Northills Shopping Centre, 25 700 Tranquille Road
    Hours: 9:30AM – 4:00PM Monday – Friday Closed Holidays, (250) 554-4145
  • eHarmony Staff. “Report: Mature Couple and Sex.” eHarmony, https://www.eharmony.com/dating-advice/about-you/report-mature-couples-and-sex/. Accessed 17 Feb. 2020.
  • Haddad, N., Li, JS., Totten, S., and McGuire, M. “HIV in Canada—Surveillance Report, 2017.” Canada Communicable Disease Report (CCDR), vol. 44, no.12, 2018, 348-56. https://doi.org/10.14745/ccdr.v44i12a03.

Session 3 – Online Dating:

Guest Speaker: Dave Kehler, Computer Trainer, Thompson-Nicola Regional Library

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