Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Griffin, eden. Online dating is a common way for older adults to find a romantic partner, yet little is known about the dating motivations and self-presentations of older adults seeking same-sex relationships. These adults may have different approaches to dating than their counterparts seeking cross-sex relationships. Additionally, geographic location may shape online self-presentations and dating preferences due to regional differences in support for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender GLBT populations.
Older adults seeking same-sex relationships emphasized romance more so than older adults seeking cross-sex relationships. Further, adults seeking same-sex relationships who lived in environments with low structural support for GLBT people were most likely to emphasize a desire for shared experiences. Findings suggest that despite the scripted nature of dating profiles and similarity in thematic content, older adults seeking same-sex relationships in different geographic areas may have distinct motivations when seeking a romantic partner.
Online dating is an increasingly common way for older adults to find a romantic partner. These studies report that heterosexual older adults are motivated to date for the ubiquitous desires of love, companionship, and romance.
Despite the nascent research examining dating in late life, there is limited information on the dating motivations and online profiles of older gay and lesbian adults. Although gay and lesbian older adults are more likely to be single and socially isolated than their heterosexual counterparts Espinoza, , many of these adults place high value on being part of a couple Heaphy, Further, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender GLBT adults are more likely to meet romantic partners online than through other avenues Prestage et al.
However, researchers know little about how unpartnered GLBT adults approach dating in late life, their motivations, or how they may present themselves to potential partners online. Informed by prior research comparing online dating profile content among younger gay, lesbian, and heterosexual adults e.
