The first speed-dating event took place in Los Angeles in 1998. This innovative way of meeting as many as 25 (though most events top out at 14 or so) possible love interests at one time was created by Antony Beilinsohn, a Los Angeles-based television executive and clearly very creative person. Ledtke wasn’t the only senior in town looking for love and companionship. At least 29 other people signed up for the speed dating event. All the subjects were followed in a new documentary. Share Baltimore Video Speed Dating - Filter Off with your friends. Save Baltimore Video Speed Dating - Filter Off to your collection. Fri, Mar 12, 8:00 PM + 14 more events. “On the speed dating night, we each spent around 10 minutes with three to four NGOs, to exchange information on our interests and areas of expertise as well as what they are looking for.
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Speed dating for seniors is an event that enables you to find your perfect partner. Speed dating events are held in exclusive venues. During the event, you get to enjoy dates with 15-20 like-minded singles. Each date usually takes about 4 to 10 minutes.
If you’re too busy or lonely, you can book a speed dating event near you. Such events are not only exciting and fun-filled, but they also save you the hassle of meeting potential matches in bars or clubs.
The speed dating arena gives you an opportunity to meet and mingle with interesting singles who are also looking for friendship, love, romance and long-term relationships. If you do not know what to expect during a speed dating event, this article is for you.
You will gain insights on tips for a successful speed dating experience with regard to how to behave, what to wear and what to do. Please keep reading.
Speed Dating Tips for Seniors
Dress to impress
It is important that you appear for your first speed dating event looking your best. This helps to ensure that a person you are head over heels for does not ignore you.
In other words, first impressions count. Therefore, do not show up to the event looking unkempt or without taking a bath. If you are a lady, wearing a dress that accentuates your best qualities is important. You can also wear a little make-up and style your hair appropriately.
If you are a man, anything business casual will certainly make you look presentable. It might help to inquire about the mode of dressing before the event, which helps to ensure that you are not the odd one out.
You may also choose to dress based on the speed dating location. If the event is at a laid back, casual, or high-end location, ensure that you dress appropriately.
Remember that the outfit you wear will not only make you feel more confident but also speak volumes about who you are.
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Avoid lengthy questions and answers
It is never a good idea to ask your date mates too many questions. For instance, you should avoid asking questions such as where a person grew up, the name of their pet, or the name of their child.
Such questions will certainly make you appear like you’re not connected to your partner. Therefore, ask basic questions, which will enable you to know your partner within the allocated time of 4 minutes.
You can list down a couple of questions, particularly the ones that will enable you to know the strengths and weaknesses of your potential matches. Always remember that you have 4 to 10 minutes to decide whether someone is dating material.
What’s more, when answering questions, it is critical that you give short responses. Remember you have only a few minutes to make an initial impression, which will not be possible if you bumble.
The secret is to capture the most favourable aspects of your personality using the shortest answer.
The same is true when it comes to online dating. You want to build up some mystery and intrigue so the person will start to think about you. This way they will perceive you as interesting and present them with a puzzle that they have to solve.
This is a very fun part of dating and can also easily be done online. Some of the top dating sites we recommend include match.com for general dating, blackseniordatingsite.com if you are looking to meet black senior singles or silversingles.com if you would like to find a silver surfer who is also looking for love and companionship.
Be yourself
It is very easy to pretend to be somebody you are not with the aim of winning over more dates. However, it is important that you remain honest from the very beginning.
In addition, if you do not feel a connection with any of the prospective matches, it is important that you avoid faking feelings. My guess is that your desire is to meet someone you can spend the rest of your life with.
So, faking attraction for a person you wouldn’t want to be in a relationship with, can create problems for you later. What’s more, you will also be wasting time for such an individual.
If you wish to find someone that you can continue dating for the long run, it is critical that you let them like you for who you are.
Avoid sharing too much information
One of the rules of speed dating is that you should not share your contacts or initiate a date during the chatting session of the event. Refrain from sharing high profile information such as your residential address or income, etcetera until you’ve known your potential partner well.
However, you can share your personal contact after the event with the help of the event organizers. The contact details you provide during registration shall remain private until you find your perfect match.
Be open-minded
Dating events are exciting and fun. You get to meet a couple of open-minded singles albeit with varying personalities, attitude and backgrounds. Therefore, have an open mind, listen attentively and give everyone an equal chance to express themselves.
In other words, avoid dismissing people based on first impressions. Avoid comparing your dating partners with the person you have in your mind. Doing so can hinder you from having fun and meeting your soul mate.
Get to the event on time
Try to arrive at least 30 minutes before time. This helps to ensure that you have ample time to register, mingle and familiarize yourself with the venue. You also get a chance to talk to the speed dating organizers and seek clarification on issues before the event starts.
Summary
Speed dating breaks the rule of having to meet potential matches in clubs or bars. Speed dating events are fun and exciting. You will get to meet a lot of new people who are also looking for connections.
Speed dating is an icebreaker. It gives you an opportunity to meet potential partners in one or two hours. Remember that you are not under pressure to choose anyone.
Spencer Senior Speed Dating
Also, speed dating risks are minimal. I believe you’re now well informed on how to succeed in speed dating. So, look for speed dating events near you and have fun while finding your true companion.
If you are still on the fence about speed dating then here is an inside peek at what you can expect from a senior speed dating event.
Above: Marion Wright shares a laugh with her interview partner during Somerby Senior Living’s speed dating event; photos by Phil Mosier
In October, Jodi Firestone hatched a plan that had been years in the making. She’s the community liaison for Somerby Senior Living and she decided to pull together a senior speed dating event at the Somerby location in Sandy Springs.
Vivienne Kurland of the Jewish Family and Career Services takes pictures before the event.
The gathering wasn’t really about dating or finding romance. The aim was to give these older adults an opportunity to meet new people and make new connections. Firestone was inspired in part by similar gatherings hosted by Vivienne Kurland, Program Coordinator for One Good Deed and Aviv Older Adult Services through Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta. Kurland was on hand to help out during Somerby’s event.
Around the room, small square tables were decorated with glass jars, filled to the brim with silver kiss candies. Balloons hovered above; two chairs sat across from one another in anticipation. A main table with finger food and drinks was flanked by vases of white roses.
Excited chatter and laughter took over as men and women found their seats. One participant bowed out early due to nerves.
As Firestone went over the rules for the event—10 tables, 10 partners to rotate, four minutes of conversation per round—she added a few pointers. Already the talk between pairs had taken off, and she had to pause a few times to make sure everyone understood how the process worked.
Although the flyer promoting the event sported the tagline, “Come to Mingle and Don’t Leave Single!”, and while a few men confessed to Firestone that they hoped “to meet my next wife,” Kurland was quick to emphasize that this event “could be a friendship match.”
It’s about finding someone that might offer extra companionship, to add enrichment outside of family, children and grandchildren,” she said.
Leila Sultzer, right, greets Maurice Shemper left, with a smile.
Each participant received a blank sheet to list names. If there was a spark, or a friendship connection, it should be indicated on the sheet, and if both sides match, there would be an exchange of contact information. No discussion of politics. Take time to listen.
As the timer began, icebreaker questions about hobbies and family filled the room. Some choose to be more creative, starting off with “If you were a wild animal, what animal would you be?”
As each table switched over, it became clear that the focus was not just on the participants, but on those watching the events from the side. As it turned out, the opportunity to “Rediscover Your Spark” was so popular that there was a waiting list.
Edna Blackman, 83, and Patsy Day, 70, friends and both former residents of New York City, came to the event even though they knew they might not get to participate directly.
Patsy Day, left,
and Edna Blackman, right
Photo by Julie Bloemeke
“We were coming to get a spot, but it’s not happening, not today,” Blackman said, watching from afar, “but still, it’s an interesting experience.” Neither had been to a speed dating activity and they were curious to see what it was like. Day laughed and said, “We’re here hanging out for fun, and because I hope to see someone else connect!”
Clearly enjoying the time together, they watched and predicted where they’d see “sparks flying” between the participants.
As the event came to a close, participants made notes and ruminated over who caught their attention. Later, as Firestone and Kurland gathered up the sheets, they were amazed to find wonderfully detailed observations.
One woman’s notes included phrases such as “Great guy. Credit to society.” And “Kind, blue eyes.”
As far as sparks? There were quite a few.
Maurice Shemper, 80, a Temple Sinai member who has lived in Atlanta since the late 1970s, said he definitely experienced a spark.
“I had a connection with two people—one was a huge connection—one of her friends is a woman I grew up with in Mississippi,” Shemper said. “I’ve already invited her to “The Color Purple” at the Fox Theatre next week.”
Cookie Schaffer, left and below, interviews Maurice Shemper, right.
Cookie Shaffer, 80, a native Atlantan, also admitted she felt a few sparks. Most of the men she talked with asked her about her interests and where she was from. Her true hope after speed dating? “I’m a UGA/Cowboys/Falcons fan, and I want someone to watch football with.”
Spencer Weil, who’ll be 96 in December, didn’t necessarily experience any sparks, but thoroughly enjoyed the event. His son, Dan Weil, who came as a bystander, attested to it. “He’d do this every day if he could. He’s wildly social.”
When asked why he decided to sign up for speed dating, Weil said he’d recently moved from New York City, was looking to make connections and because “I love Atlanta; it’s gotten into my blood.”
And what wild animal would he be? Weil laughed and said, “Yes, one gal asked me that and I haven’t the slightest idea.”
Participants lingered long after the event closed and Firestone was packing up the decorations. Many left the room and gathered in the hall where animated conversation continued. One man, who only identified himself as “Jim Beam” reached behind Firestone and snagged a white rose from the vases of flowers on the cart.
A woman, distracted in conversation with another man, suddenly turned toward him. Slyly he placed the rose on her wheeled walker and grinned.
The Spark of Friendship
When it comes to senior speed dating, sometimes the connection isn’t about dating at all. Friendship, support between those with similar interests, and creating an extended network of family are all reasons seniors seek out pairing events that “help seniors rediscover their spark.”
Take Lynn Podber, 59, and Syd Green, 91, two women who matched at a similar event through One Good Deed and Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta about two years ago. For Podber, a volunteer with One Good Deed and a former resident of Orlando, and Green, who lived most of her life in New York City, meeting one another was nothing short of transformational.
As soon as they began to talk about their relationship, their enthusiasm and laughter lit up the room, their admiration and gratitude for one another immediately apparent.
Podber was quick to share what she enjoys about spending time with Green. “Syd is extremely wise and gives great life advice,” she said. “We can talk about almost anything!”
Green said she was thankful they met. “Lynn tells me everything. It’s a beautiful situation. I have loved it since the minute we started. Our connection has become something more than just who we are. She gives up her own time—she’s been marvelous.”
And how have Podber and Green spent time together so far? They’ve been to restaurants, gone shopping and to the grocery, run errands together, attended movies and visited the library. This is, not surprisingly, only a partial list. But sometimes, they simply partake in one of their favorite activities. “We do nothing but chat,” said Green.
Podber checks in on Green with regular phone calls, sometimes just to talk, other times to offer to run errands. “She’s so busy but she chooses to have someone else in her life that isn’t a blood relation,” said Green. “Even though we’re not related, she feels like part of the family.”
Perhaps what Podber and Green have most gained from their relationship is their sense of helping and inspiring one another, the regaining of another kind of spark. When Podber shares stories about her life, Green reflects on hers.
“I’ll tell you what. I’m always learning and reflecting,” Green said. “It’s so different how you all are living now. It was easier for me than it is for this group of women today.”
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