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Older Americans are ready for love — and three in 10 searching for romance would consider going on a dating show for seniors, according to new research.

The study of 1,000 Americans over the age of 50 found one in four have gone on a date with a new potential partner and one in five feel like they’re in their sexual prime now.

Recent research has shown that America's older citizens are ready to hit the dating scene
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Recent research has shown that America's older citizens are ready to hit the dating sceneCredit: Getty Images - Getty

When it comes to the best methods to meet someone, half said through friends and 43% have searched online.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of , a personal care marketplace especially for seniors, the survey revealed two in five confessed to being more nervous for their first date when they were older than as a young person.

Results also found the key aspects of attraction have changed for respondents over time.

Three in four said physical attraction was important to them as a young person looking for a partner, but now kindness ranked the highest with 79%.

Politeness rose in importance as people grew older, as did personality.

Seven in 10 respondents in a relationship or married said they’re happier than they’ve ever been in their current relationship.

There are also some matters that older Americans have to consider on the dating scene today: 32% think dating is different now because personal care products can be a sensitive topic.

Thirty-nine percent of all respondents felt there are some aspects of aging that are too embarrassing to talk about — and over a quarter said there are certain things about aging they withhold from their children.

Without anyone to talk to, 27% said they struggle to find personal care products for their age group, needs and lifestyle.

Two in five (42%) have suffered from bladder leakage or incontinence, and of those, 48% don’t feel they can talk about their experiences with anyone.

Kindness, personality and politeness were some of the most preferable traits reported by older Americans
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Kindness, personality and politeness were some of the most preferable traits reported by older AmericansCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Thirty-eight percent are frustrated with the products that are currently available and are suffering in silence.

“The data shows that older Americans are embracing everything life has to offer,” said Luca Gualco. “In fact, 43% say they’re living their best lives now. At Because, we believe in enabling older adults to seize their independence and enjoy the activities that bring them happiness.”

Respondents were asked to think about their lives as if COVID-19 didn’t exist and what activities they’d love to do if they didn’t have to worry about bladder leakage.
Long drives were the favorite with 47%, while 43% wished they could enjoy a day of shopping.

Forty-two percent envisioned fun days trips with their family or friends while a third (32%) dreamt of traveling.

One in five would love to take a dip in the pool (19%) and 18% hope to work up a sweat by exercising without a worry about bladder leakage.

Nearly a quarter dream of luxuriating on the beach (23%) or hiking in nature (13%) without needing to rush for a bathroom break.

“Older Americans are such an underserved population,” Gualco added. “We created Because in order to provide those 65+ access to the high-quality personal care products they need, discreetly and conveniently delivered directly to their door.”

Still, seniors are embracing those perks that come with age. Three in five (61%) think the ability to spend time by themselves is one of the most liberating parts of growing old.

Sixty percent enjoy being able to do whatever they want, when they want and about a third (36%) love being able to choose where they’re living.

TOP ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES OF YOUTH
Physical attractiveness  76%
Personality                     60%
Kindness                        53%
Sense of humor              50%
Politeness                       43%
Physical fitness               33%
Family values                  26%
Relationship with family   26%
Career                             18%
Hobbies                           18%
Amount of income            13%
Type of vehicle owned      12%
Political opinions                 9%

TOP ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES NOW
Kindness                       79%
Personality                    67%
Politeness                      62%
Sense of humor             59%
Physical attractiveness  46%
Family values                 45%
Relationship with family 42%
Amount of income          29%
Physical fitness              27%
Hobbies                          26%
Political opinions             20%
Career                             18%
Type of vehicle                  7%

TOP ACTIVITIES RESPONDENTS WANT TO DO WITHOUT WORRYING ABOUT BLADDER LEAKAGE
Long drives                          47%
Shopping                             43%
Day trips with family/friends 41%
Travel                                   32%
Nights out                             27%
Beach days                           23%
Swimming in a pool              19%
Working out                          18%
Dinner parties                       18%
Hiking                                    13%