The statistics are fascinating: The population is getting older and staying single. Let's take a closer look at what is happening and how it might impact your ability to find a partner.
According to US Census Bureau statistics, nearly half of all adults in the United States are single. In 2022, roughly 48 percent of men were married and about 50 percent of women were married. The number of people choosing to remain single is on the rise: About 32 percent of women have never married, and roughly 36 percent of men have never married.
The number of singles in their 50s and 60s is also rising. Roughly 45 percent of older Americans are single, compared to 28 percent in 1960.
In the United States, the population is aging. In 2019, people over 65 represented 16 percent of the population. By 2040, that will increase to 21.6 percent. Since 2009, the number of seniors in America increased by 36 percent, while the population of those under 65 only increased by three percent.
What the Stats Mean When You're Looking for Love
If you’re a mature female looking for a male partner, it could be a challenge. In 2020, 70 percent of older men were married, while only 48 percent of women were married. Older women (65+) outnumber older men by a ratio of about 5:4. The ratio of single older women to single older men is worse, about 5:2. Competition can be tough for older women looking for male companions.
And it’s not all good news for men: Only 19% of previously married women want to remarry, while about 31% of previously married men want to get hitched again. Sorry, fellas, the ladies might be over you.
So, what’s an older man or woman to do? Perhaps find the best places and the best activities where the odds swing in your favor.
After55.com surveyed 700 adults between the ages of 50 and 89 to find out what activities they're looking for in retirement communities. The survey participants and data research indicated that location matters.
Cities with a Large Population of Older Single Women
The New York metro is the epicenter for single older women, with 325,000 more women than men. Metros with a lot more single older women than men are:
- New York
- Chicago
- Atlanta
- Washington
- Philadelphia
- Miami
- Dallas
- Houston
- Boston
Cities with a Large Population of Older Single Men
Smaller communities are best for those seeking single men of a certain age. A few cities with larger populations of older single men include:
- Hanford-Corcoran, California
- Jacksonville, North Carolina
- The Villages, Florida
- Watertown-Fort Drum, New York
- Michigan City-La Porte, Indiana
Women, Hit the Ballpark; Men, Get Crafty
After55.com’s survey offers other possibilities closer to home for single seniors who live in a senior-housing or retirement community. We asked respondents to look over 25 potential senior-living activities to pick which ones interested them the most.
We then compared and contrasted activities that interested at least 15% of our male or female respondents. While there was a decent amount of overlap (everybody likes exercise, swimming, and walking), a few activities stood out as unique for each sex.
Where the Women Are:
- Doing arts and crafts
- Dancing
- Taking educational classes (languages, etc.)
- Participating in book clubs
- Going on shopping trips
- Playing bingo
- Gardening and flower-arranging
Where the Men Are:
- Going on trips to sporting events
- Playing billiards and ping pong
- Golfing and fishing (write-in choices)
Though both sexes said they’d enjoy trips to museums and cultural events, women were interested at a significantly higher percentage, 35% to 23%.
A higher percentage of men (24%) than women (16%) were interested in cooking and baking.
For women, while you could join a book club or go on a shopping trip, you’re more likely to find men at the ballpark or in the game room, our survey suggests. For men, while you could go fishing or hit the links, you’re more likely to find women on the dance floor or in the crafts room.
So, if you want to meet new people, stretch yourself with some new activities. You’re bound to meet some interesting people — and maybe get a few dates — along the way.
