AARP Survey Finds 65% of Online Daters Aged 50+ Satisfied With Their Experience

A new AARP survey found that 65% of online daters aged 50 and over were satisfied with their overall online dating experience, while 59% would recommend the dating platform they used to a friend. The survey, conducted in January 2026, questioned 300 US adults who had used online dating platforms within the previous three years.

The research found that 38% were looking for a long-term romantic partner, while 39% wanted to date casually and meet new people. Another 8% were primarily interested in sexual relationships. Among respondents seeking a long-term partner, 20% were currently in a relationship lasting more than three months with someone they met online, while 50% had not found a relationship.

More than half of respondents (52%) had paid for premium dating features or subscriptions. Opinions on their value were mixed. Some appreciated verified-profile filters, unlimited messaging and access to more profiles, while others reported similar results with free memberships.

Safety remained a concern, with 41% reporting that they had encountered fake profiles or attempted scams. Some respondents said concerns about fraud had initially discouraged them from trying online dating. Despite these challenges, most respondents reported a positive overall experience.