More people are dating in their seventies than many expect. Some have been widowed after a long marriage, some divorced later in life, and some have been single for years and decided it’s time to meet someone new. Whatever brought you here, writing a dating profile at 70 or beyond can feel daunting. You may not be used to apps, worry that you’ll sound too old or too young, or wonder what on earth to say after a lifetime of experience.
This guide gives example dating profiles for people over 70, with notes on why each works. It also covers what to include, how to talk about health, family and living arrangements, headline and prompt ideas, choosing photos, getting help with the technology, and staying safe. All of the examples are written by Hearts Again to show different approaches. They aren’t real people’s profiles, and they’re meant to be adapted to your own life.
The short answer
- Profiles that work well over 70 are warm, specific and honest about what you're looking for. Companionship and friendship are common and perfectly good aims.
- A few specific details, such as your favourite walk or what you're reading, make your profile much easier to reply to.
- You can mention health, mobility or family commitments briefly and practically, without making them the focus.
- Use recent photos. A clear, smiling face photo matters more than anything else.
- It's fine to ask a friend or family member to help with the technology, but write the words yourself.
- Be especially cautious about anyone who seems too good to be true, avoids meeting or mentions money.
Dating in your seventies
People dating in their seventies are often looking for something a little different from younger daters. Common hopes include:
- Companionship: someone to share meals, outings, conversations and holidays with
- Friendship first, with romance if it grows
- A relationship without living together, keeping your own home and independence
- Someone to travel with, now there’s more time
- A loving relationship, sometimes including intimacy, sometimes not
All of these are valid, and being clear about what you want in your profile helps the right people find you. Our guides to dating at 70 and dating at 80 look at dating at this stage more broadly.
What to include
A good profile at this age usually includes:
- A little about your life now: where you live roughly, how you spend your time
- Two or three specific interests
- A line about your personality
- What you’re looking for
- An easy invitation, such as suggesting a coffee or a phone call
You don’t need to write a life story. A few warm, honest lines are enough to start a conversation.
How long should it be?
Most of the examples below are between 40 and 70 words. That’s usually enough to give a clear picture without overwhelming the reader. On sites that ask for more, you can add a second short paragraph about what a good day looks like for you, or what you’d like to do with someone new. If you’re unsure, write a longer version first, then cut anything that doesn’t sound like you or doesn’t give the reader something to reply to.
Example profiles for women over 70
1. Widowed and looking for companionship
“Widowed after 45 happy years, and now ready for some company. I’m 74, live in a village near Bath, and love my garden, my book club and a good cup of tea. I’d love to meet a gentleman for conversation, outings and perhaps the odd trip to the seaside.”
Why it works: It’s warm and clear, and the details give plenty to talk about. Our guide to dating profile examples for widows has more.
2. Active and adventurous
“I’m 72 and have no plans to slow down. I walk with a group every week, do aqua aerobics and I’ve just booked a river cruise. Looking for an active, cheerful man who enjoys travel, good food and laughter.”
Why it works: It shows energy and confidence, and attracts people with similar interests.
3. Friendship first
“I’m 76, a retired librarian, and I’d like to meet someone for friendship and good conversation. I love history, crosswords, classical music and afternoon tea. If you’d enjoy a visit to a museum or a stately home, I’d love to hear from you.”
Why it works: It’s honest about her aims, and suggests an easy first meeting.
4. Divorced later in life
“Divorced at 68, and surprised to find I’m happier than I’ve been for years. Now 71, I volunteer at a charity shop, sing in a choir and love long lunches with friends. I’d like to meet a kind, interesting man to share some of the good things in life.”
Why it works: It’s positive and doesn’t dwell on the divorce.
5. Close to her family
“I’m 73, with three children and five grandchildren who keep me busy. I love baking, gardening and the occasional trip to the theatre. I’m looking for a gentle, good-humoured man for companionship and days out. I’m happy in my own home, but would love someone to share time with.”
Why it works: It’s honest about her priorities and what kind of relationship she wants.
6. Light-hearted
“Seventy-five years young and still can’t resist a slice of cake. I love dancing, crime dramas and walks by the river. Looking for a man with a twinkle in his eye who’ll make me laugh.”
Why it works: Gentle humour shows personality and confidence.
7. Living with a health condition
“I’m 77 and live with arthritis, so I’m more of a café and garden centre person than a hill walker these days. I love painting, the radio and good conversation. Looking for someone kind and patient to share some lovely afternoons with.”
Why it works: It mentions her condition practically and positively. Our guide to dating with arthritis has more.
8. Single for many years
“I’ve been happily single for a long time, but lately I’ve thought it would be nice to have someone to share things with. I’m 72, retired from nursing, and I love the theatre, walking my little dog and trying new recipes. Looking for a kind, sociable man for friendship and outings.”
Why it works: It explains her reason for dating simply and positively.
Example profiles for men over 70
9. Widower, ready for company
“Widowed four years ago after a long marriage. I’m 75, still drive, and enjoy bowls, my allotment and a pint at the local. I’d like to meet a kind lady for company, conversation and days out. I’m a good listener and make a decent cup of tea.”
Why it works: It’s warm and practical, and the details paint a clear picture. Our guide to dating profile examples for widowers has more.
10. Travel lover
“Retired engineer, 72, and making up for lost time with travel. I’ve been to Norway, Portugal and Canada in the last two years, and I’m planning more. Looking for a lively, curious woman to share adventures with, near and far.”
Why it works: It’s specific and enthusiastic, and attracts like-minded people.
11. Quiet and thoughtful
“I’m 78, a retired teacher, and fairly quiet until you get me talking about history or cricket. I enjoy reading, walking and listening to music. Looking for a kind woman for companionship, conversation and perhaps the odd concert.”
Why it works: It’s honest about his personality, which helps the right person find him.
12. Still working
“I’m 71 and still work part-time as a locum pharmacist, because I enjoy it. I also play golf, do the crossword and cook a mean roast dinner. I’d like to meet a warm, sociable woman who enjoys life.”
Why it works: It challenges assumptions about age and shows energy.
13. Not a natural writer
“I’ll keep it short. I’m 74, widowed, two sons and four grandchildren. I like fishing, gardening and a good film. Looking for a kind lady to share some time with.”
Why it works: It’s simple and friendly. That’s enough.
14. Dating men
“I’m 73, a retired civil servant, living in Brighton. I love the sea, opera and cooking for friends. Looking for a kind, cultured man for companionship, dinners and outings.”
Why it works: It’s warm and clear. Our guide to gay dating after 50 covers meeting men later in life.
15. Keen to stay independent
“Divorced, 76, and very happy in my own home. I’d like to meet a lady for dinners, theatre trips and weekends away, but I’m not looking to move in with anyone. I enjoy walking, jazz and a good debate.”
Why it works: It’s clear about the kind of relationship he wants. Our guide to living apart together after 50 explores this.
Mentioning health and mobility
Many people in their seventies live with a health condition, hearing or sight loss, or reduced mobility. You can choose whether to mention it. If you do, keep it brief and practical, and focus on what you enjoy:
- “I use a walking stick, so short walks and nice cafés suit me best.”
- “I’m a bit hard of hearing, so I prefer quiet places to noisy pubs.”
- “I don’t drive any more, so somewhere on a bus route is ideal.”
This kind of honesty helps people plan dates that work for you. Our guides to dating with a health condition and dating with sight loss have more.
Mentioning family and living arrangements
It can help to say a little about family and where you live, without giving away personal details:
- Family: “Close to my children and grandchildren” tells people family matters to you
- Living arrangements: “Happy in my own home” or “living in a retirement village” can be useful
- What you want: if you’re not looking to live together, saying so saves misunderstandings
Our guide to how adult children react when a parent starts dating may help if family has views about you dating.
Before and after: rewriting a profile
Before: “Too old for this really. Widower. Like gardening. Write if you want.”
After: “Widowed a few years ago and ready for some company. I’m 76, and happiest in my garden or on a gentle walk by the canal. I’d love to meet a kind lady for a chat over tea and see how we get on.”
Why the rewrite works: It drops the apologetic tone, adds warmth and detail, and ends with an easy invitation.
Before: “Looking for a man. Must be honest, no scammers, no time-wasters, must have own car and own home.”
After: “I’m 71, cheerful and independent, with my own home and a busy social life. I love dancing, quizzes and a good lunch. I’d like to meet an honest, kind man who’d enjoy meeting for a coffee before long.”
Why the rewrite works: It keeps the same priorities, but sounds welcoming rather than defensive.
Phone calls before meeting
Many people in their seventies prefer a phone call or video call before meeting. It’s a good way to see whether you get on, and it also helps you check that someone is genuine. You can mention this in your profile, for example: “I like a chat on the phone before meeting up.” Our guide to video calls before meeting explains why they help with safety.
Headline and opening-line ideas
- “Seventy-something and still curious”
- “Companionship, conversation and cake”
- “Young at heart, wise in years”
- “Looking for someone to share the good days”
- “Let’s start with a pot of tea”
Example prompt answers
“I’m looking for” “A kind companion for days out, good meals and better conversation.”
“My simple pleasures” “A sunny bench, a newspaper and a cup of tea.”
“Something I’m proud of” “Learning to swim at 70.”
“The way to win me over” “Make me laugh, and suggest a nice lunch.”
Choosing photos
- Use recent photos, from the last year or two
- Start with a clear, smiling photo of your face, without sunglasses
- Add a full-length photo and one doing something you enjoy
- Ask a friend or family member to take photos in good natural light
- Avoid using old photos. People want to recognise you when you meet
Our guide to dating profile photos after 50 explains what works.
Getting help with the technology
If you’re not confident with apps or websites, you’re not alone. It’s fine to:
- Ask a friend, grandchild or family member to help you set up a profile and upload photos
- Use a computer or tablet instead of a phone, if you find a bigger screen easier. Our guide to using dating apps on a computer explains which services allow this
- Look for local digital skills sessions. Libraries and organisations such as Age UK often run help sessions for older people
Write the words yourself, though. Your profile should sound like you.
Staying safe
Romance scammers sometimes target older people, especially those who’ve recently been bereaved. Be cautious if someone:
- Declares strong feelings very quickly
- Says they work abroad, on an oil rig or in the military
- Avoids video calls or meeting in person
- Asks for money, gift cards or financial details, for any reason
Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person. Our guides to romance scam cover stories and dating app scams targeting over-50s explain the warning signs, and our Scam Red-Flag Checker can help if you’re unsure.
When you meet someone, choose a public place, tell a friend where you’re going and arrange your own transport. Our first date safety checklist has more.
What to avoid
- Long lists of what you don’t want
- Too much about health problems or past relationships
- Very old photos
- Personal details, such as your address or full name
- Apologising for your age, such as “probably too old for this”. Plenty of people your age are dating
Common situations
“I’m 78. Is it too late?”
Not at all. Many people meet partners and companions in their seventies and eighties.
“I don’t know how to use dating apps”
Ask a friend or family member to help you set up, and practise on a tablet or computer if that’s easier.
“My children don’t think I should be dating”
Their worries may be about your safety or their late parent. Reassuring them about how you’re staying safe can help, but it’s your choice.
“I only want friendship”
That’s fine. Say so clearly in your profile. Many people feel the same.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to date in your seventies?
Yes. Many people date in their seventies and beyond, for companionship, friendship and love.
What should I write on my profile at 70?
A little about your life now, two or three interests, a line about your personality and what you’re looking for.
Should I mention my health?
Only if you’d like to. If you do, keep it brief and practical.
Can someone help me set up my profile?
Yes. Friends or family can help with the technology, but write the words yourself.
How can I stay safe?
Never send money to someone you haven’t met, insist on a video call or meeting, meet in public and tell a friend.
Can I copy one of these examples?
They’re written to be adapted. Your own details will always work better.
Related guides
- Dating at 70: what to expect
- Dating at 80 and beyond
- Dating profile examples for over-60s
- Dating profile examples for widows
- Dating profile examples for widowers
- Dating app scams targeting over-50s
Sources
- Hearts Again editorial guidance on dating profiles; all example profiles are written by Hearts Again and are not real people’s profiles.