A new reality series on Netflix is taking a dynamic look at ‘mature’ dating. The Later Daters brings a fresh perspective to dating over 40. The show focuses upon an attractive, young at heart group of singles who feel ready to find a genuine partnership. Filmed in Atlanta, USA, there is nothing ‘old’ or ‘weary’ about these hopeful ‘later daters’. This refreshing take on starting-over in love and romance is capturing a growing audience.
Produced by former First Lady, Michelle Obama, the show premiered on November 20. Michelle marked the launch with an Instagram post stating - “I’m so proud to have been an executive producer of @highergroundmedia’s latest series – The Later Daters. I believe that we all deserve a chance at finding love and happiness – no matter how old we are. I hope you’ll check out The Later Daters, now streaming on Netflix, over this holiday weekend!”
The eight-episode series takes a collaborative approach to finding love. Dating expert Logan Ury guides her six singles along a new dating journey, helped by their children and loved ones. By involving those closest to the singles, she gains valuable insight into what they are looking for, and what may be preventing them from finding it.
Who are the Later Daters?
Anise
Anise is a stunning, highly accomplished mum who raised her children alone after bereavement. In her early sixties, Anise has the kind of looks and style that cause jaws to drop when she walks into a room. Despite seemingly having everything going for her, Anise rarely gets to a second or third date. She wonders if this is because her expectations are too high, or if men are put off by her accomplishments, including receiving a doctorate. Anise’s adult daughter, Dyanna, wants her mum to find love but knows that the guy is going to have to be something special.
After several unsuccessful matches, Anise is losing faith. In an unexpected twist, Dyanna steps in as matchmaker and helps to choose her mum’s next date. She predicts that 55-year-old Willie, a government K9 specialist will be a good match for Anise. With movie star looks and a gentle nature, Willie proves to be the perfect match! Chemistry leaps from the screen as the two joyfully get to know each other.
Pam
Rock chick Pam, 70, has found herself alone now that Zoe - the granddaughter she raised - has married and left home. Zoe doesn’t want her beloved grandmother to be isolated and is hoping that The Later Daters will shake Pam out of the insulated life she has been living. However, Pam has built many walls around herself and seems unprepared to throw herself into the world of modern dating. However, with help from dating coach Logan, and Zoe, Pam tentatively embraces being open to the idea of new people. Whilst she doesn’t find love, Pam finds friendship and a possible professional opportunity, proving that ‘getting out there’ can result in exciting, new connections.
Lori
Lori is a successful and confident, 57-year-old celebrity correspondent. Logan - and Lori’s adult children - can all see that her need for control is probably hindering her search for love. Lori finds it incredibly hard to be vulnerable. While it’s hard to match Lori’s dynamic persona, she felt she’d met her match in Felton, a friend from outside of the show. However, Felton placed her in the friend zone and the relationship went nowhere. Despite leaving the show single, Lori feels optimistic about dating and the future.
Suzanne
Suzanne is a bubbly and high-spirited blonde bombshell with two equally charming grown-up children. Having enjoyed a happy marriage until her husband passed away, Suzanne is unfamiliar with modern dating rules, but feels optimistic about finally finding lasting love again. Suzanne believes she has to play hard to get to capture a man’s heart. Her daughter suggests this is an outdated tactic; modern dating is a little more authentic.
While Suzanne enjoyed all of her dates, she settled upon 59-year-old Avery, who has an equally infectious energy. The two beam from ear to ear whenever they are together!
Nate
Single dad Nate has been single for twelve years. At 56, he feels comfortable in his own space and has set extremely high standards for potential partners. He has possibly fallen into the trap of ‘knowing what he wants’ so clearly that few women could ever tick all of his boxes. His closest relationship seems to be with the mother of his daughter, who is now a close friend. Many viewers were rooting for the two to get together throughout the series. Nate’s inability to decide upon a match he would like to seriously pursue meant that he left the show single.
Greg
Greg, 61, was being hindered by unrealistically high expectations when he joined the show (he was holding out for a Jenifer Aniston look alike). Having been single for over a decade, his patience had run low with online dating, and he was hoping Logan could bring a fresh perspective. Unfortunately, Greg did not find love on the Later Daters but sources say he is now engaged, so congratulations are in order!
Dating in Your 50s and Beyond: Try Personal Matchmaking
Many people who start dating post 50 have been out of the game for a long time. Modern dating can feel very different and daunting, but it doesn’t have to. Ultimately, there are still many single men and women who would love to find an honest and genuine connection.
Sometimes, mature people are looking for different things. Perhaps true companionship is now a priority over an all-consuming, lustful connection… but perhaps not. It’s important to be clear upfront about your vision for the future. For example, if you are used to living alone you may feel you will always want to keep your own place and enjoy time apart. While things could change, being honest is extremely helpful at the beginning of a relationship.
If you have been through the death of a spouse you were very much in love with, putting yourself out there again can feel incredibly tough. There’s the risk of rejection; the worry that you won’t find anyone as interesting or attractive as your previous partner; a possible discomfort around others judging you for dating again. Becoming emotionally vulnerable after loss and pain is a real challenge. That’s why the support of a personal matchmaker feels invaluable to many ‘later daters’.
A matchmaker will be able to help you fathom modern dating etiquette, remove the risk of online dating apps’ exploitation, and carefully choose matches they believe will ignite interest from both sides. At Avenues, we also offer the services of a relationship coach, to help you move forwards with hope and positivity.
You can also be proactive in your day-to-day life when it comes to meeting new people.
Let others know that you are interested in connecting with singles who could be a great match for you. This provides an element of safety and reassurance; you’ll be able to receive a little bit of a back story about your date.
Follow your passions and meet others with similar interests and hobbies. Enrol on local courses, book a retreat, join various social groups. These are all great ways of making connections and building confidence in yourself and others.
The Importance of Romantic Relationships in Later Life
Human beings crave connection and intimacy. Positive, healthy long term relationships add value to our lives at any age. The physical and emotional health benefits of love include:
- Feelings of positivity and security.
- Lower stress levels.
- A continued sense of adventure and zest for life.
- A lowered risk of unhealthy behaviours.
As we get older, we may find the concept of intimacy daunting. We may be carrying a range of past negative emotions like guilt, hurt or grief. Unresolved pain or conflict can result in emotional barriers that may feel impenetrable to others. This is where the support of a trained counsellor or relationship dating coach can be priceless. Many older people were not raised in environments where family members spoke about their feelings or vulnerabilities. People ‘got on with it’ when they were feeling down, often leading to a sense of isolation and shame. Things are different today. There is a greater understanding of emotional pain and the devastating impact it can have on a person’s well-being if left to fester. Help is available and can be life changing.
There are also physical barriers to intimacy in later life. These can include a decreased libido and chronic pain. People may feel less confident about their bodies as they get older. All of these issues are surmountable. The right person could open the gateway to new feelings of comfort and excitement around intimacy. The aim is to feel increasingly comfortable in our own skin as we age. There is something incredibly attractive about someone who knows and loves who they are!
If you are ready to find love, then why not speak to our friendly dating team at Avenues. We’re a well-established dating agency that offers professional matchmaking services, exclusively to those over the age of 50. We also provide dating coaching to those who feel they may benefit from a bit of extra guidance on their journey to find a perfect partner. It’s easy to join—all you need to do is call us today on 0800 644 4170, or fill out our contact form today. We can’t wait to hear from you!