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'Over 50s most lucrative age group for speed dating'

Getty Images A man and a woman sat opposite each other at a table. They have coffee and plates of food and there is a bunch of flowers on the table next to the woman. They are mid conversation, smiling at each other. Getty Images
Experts say "there is a science" to why speed dating is so successful

Dating apps have become the new norm for younger generations on the hunt for a perfect match.

But experts say the online craze of swiping left or right to filter out potential partners does not appeal to everyone.

Instead, over 50s are sticking to a more traditional, fast-paced mode of meeting someone. The age group is reportedly "the most lucrative" when it comes to speed dating events, industry experts have said.

Slow Dating's events manager Lissy Cleminson witnesses the start of relationships every week through sessions held in Swindon, Wiltshire.

While most speed dates last no more than three minutes, Slow Dating gives couples an additional minute for those all-important first connections.

"I don't think there is an age where people stop looking for companionship," Ms Cleminson said.

So far this year, Slow Dating has planned 346 events for people over the age of 50 to attend.

The figure makes up 40.71% of the company's events - an increase of about 21% compared to previous years.

Lissy Cleminson Lissy Cleminson. She is pictured holding an award. She has long dark hair and is wearing a purple suit with a black top. She is smiling, looking to the side of the camera. Lissy Cleminson
Lissy Cleminson is an events manager at Slow Dating

Although Ms Cleminson was initially sceptical of the effectiveness of speed dating, she now believes "there is a science to it".

"When you think about spending three to four minutes chatting to someone who doesn't have the same energy as you or someone that just is not your kind of person, that can be a really long time," she said.

Slow Dating events are attended by a "variety" of age groups, but Ms Cleminson said the over 50s are the most common attendees.

"That age range does not want to meet on apps.

"They are not a generation that grew up with phones attached to their hands. It's a generation that courted and dated and rang landlines to speak to people.

"It's a generation that wants to interact - speed dating has offered that personal in-person connection," she said.

She added that over 50s have "lived a full life", with many having had previous marriages, long-term relationships and chidren.

"They know what they're bringing to the table... they can be a little bit more cut-throat. It's refreshing to see," Ms Cleminson said.

Lissy Cleminson Poster advertising Speed Dating Nights. The text is pink, written inside a heart. There are lip prints next to the text. Drinks can be seen in the background of the photo. Lissy Cleminson
Slow Dating hosts speed dating nights around the country, including in Swindon

Our Time, a dating site for over 50s, found that older generations have more confidence than their younger counterparts when looking for a partner.

Kate Taylor, a dating expert, said: "I've always put it down to having so many interactions with people over the course of life - so many job interviews, first dates and meeting friends - all of those micro-doses of meeting new people.

"You might think they're irrelevant, but they're not.

"They actually put you in good stead to ask questions and to get to know someone."

Ms Taylor urged single people to "believe the positive stories" from couples who met through speed dating or online methods.

“Don’t just believe your friend who tried it once and got stood up.

"Every day people find love, friendship and companionship by doing online dating," she added.

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