Over the past few years, we’ve seen an explosion in the number of free dating sites for people over 50. More tech-savvy adults have embraced the idea of meeting people online, and that has led to a new dawn for senior dating and mature relationships.

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Singles in the over-50 category often have a clear idea about what they’re looking for in the dating scene, and they’re averse to wasting time on bad matches. Niche dating sites can help older singles take initiative, raise their standards, and leave immature dates behind. All it takes is a free membership to get started.

Our dating site reviews have rankings and statistics to help mature singles get in their groove and discover compatible matches in their area.

We, and Dating For Seniors Salida our partners, use this information to tailor and deliver ads to you on our site, or to help tailor ads to you when you visit others' Dating For Seniors Salida sites. To tailor ads that may be more relevant to you, we and/or our partners may share the information we collect with third parties. Widowers dating sites for seniors updated their cover photo. May 26 at 11:42 PM. Like Comment Share.

1. Match.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friends, Dates, and Relationships

Match System:Browse by zip, age, appearance, more

Our Experts Say:“Match.com has more 'over 50' members any other dating site, and it has a simple matching process that is responsible for millions of romantic connections...” Full Review»

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Many experts consider Match an old-timer in the online dating scene because it was founded in 1994 and launched in 1995. It’s the original online dating site in the U.S., and it has successfully matched multiple generations of online daters. If you’re looking for a serious relationship, Match.com is a valuable wingman.

Singles who are over 50 make up nearly 27% of the Match membership base. In fact, the over-50 category is the fastest-growing demographic on the dating website and app. Senior singles enjoy using Match because it has a mature membership base, some free chat options, and a highly efficient matchmaking system.

Looking for a compatible date is easy when you have targeted search tools and smart match recommendations. By assessing your personal compatibility ratings, the Match algorithm can steer you toward a potential partner in the same area and age group.

2. eharmony

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Casual Dates, Deep Relationships

Match System:Personality test suggests matches

Our Experts Say:“eharmony's simple compatibility matching system makes the site a popular choice for seniors seeking deep, long-term relationships...” Full Review»

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Finding a long-term love is the name of the game on eharmony. The dating platform uses psychology to identify the most compatible matches and make introductions that have real relationship potential. The eharmony network caters to singles who want to stop swiping and start connecting with someone special.

Most eharmony users are older singles with serious relationship goals. Some have been divorced, and some are single parents, and they can share their life experiences in great detail thanks to eharmony’s profile prompts and personality test. Diving into this dating pool is totally free; however only premium members can send unlimited messages and video chats here.

3. EliteSingles

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Serious Relationships

Match System:Search, Receive Partner Suggestions

Our Experts Say:“EliteSingles caters to highly educated single men and women, and it uses an advanced Fraud Detection System to make sure everyone is who they say they are...” Full Review»

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EliteSingles is an online dating site and app geared toward single professionals who are interested in quality matches. Over 80% of members have graduated from a university, and many have gone on to receive medical degrees, law degrees, or other graduate degrees. The user base includes a significant number of retirees as well.

Many over-50 singles have chosen EliteSingles as their go-to senior dating site. And it’s easy to see why. The platform offers curated matches based on specific dating preferences in terms of age, location, appearance, education, and background. More than 2,500 singles find a match on EliteSingles every month, resulting in countless relationships and marriages in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.

4. SilverSingles

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Friendship, Casual Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by age, location, height, education, ethnicity, and religion

Our Experts Say:“SilverSingles caters to relationship-minded singles over 50 with simple, safe, and effective online dating tools...” Full Review»

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SilverSingles is a senior dating site where older folks can feel welcome and protected. All new members must verify that they are over 50 years old, and an advanced scam detector screens fake profiles and scammers before they can make trouble on the dating website.

After creating a dating profile, new members can browse the SilverSingles dating pool and set parameters for a potential match. For example, if you’re mainly interested in meeting Christian singles, agnostic singles, or Jewish singles like you, then you can identify religion as a dealbreaker in your dating preferences. The SilverSingles site and app support older singles as they search for new friends and love interests on their terms.

5. Zoosk

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Fun Dates, Serious Relationships

Match System:Search and get match recommendations

Our Experts Say:“Active seniors should check Zoosk out because it's great for dating no matter where you are or what you're doing...” Full Review»

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Since 2007, Zoosk has grown into one of the largest online dating platforms on the market. Zoosk has over 40 million members in 80 countries, and the dating app has received over 400,000 reviews from satisfied online daters.

Behavioral matchmaking is the secret to Zoosk’s success. The online dating site takes user behavior into account when recommending a potential match. That means that the more a senior single browses profiles and engages in conversations, the more Zoosk will learn about that individual’s dating type and relationship patterns.

According to Zook member feedback, the dating platform helps approximately 56,000 singles find love per year.

6. ChristianMingle

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Serious Relationships

Match System:Search by gender, age, education, more

Our Experts Say:“ChristianMingle is a massive and beloved dating site for all kinds of Christian daters, and a good number of members are 50+...” Full Review»

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ChristianMingle is a Christian dating site where singles can share their beliefs, ideals, and values without judgment. For over 20 years, this niche dating service has inspired and strengthened Christian relationships in the U.S. and abroad.

Senior singles can trust ChristianMingle to take their dating priorities seriously. The company that launched JDate, aka the world’s most popular Jewish dating site, is responsible for creating and running ChristianMingle, which is by far the most popular Christian dating site in the industry.

You don’t have to be Christian to join ChristianMingle. The online dating site welcomes Jewish singles, Muslim singles, atheist singles, and people of all faiths. Anyone who wants to date and marry a Christian single can apply for a free or paid membership and explore potential matches in a safe environment.

7. OurTime.com

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Dates and Relationships

Match System:Search by profiles by zip and more

Our Experts Say:“OurTime is just for men and women who are 50 or older, and it's one of the most popular dating sites in this niche because of its size...” Full Review»

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A senior person can count on OurTime to provide sensible online dating pools that lead to compatible matches. This senior dating site has over 1 million users, and it connects local singles by using a ZIP code search radius.

OurTime caters to singles over 50. Its mature user base includes single parents and grandparents who are hoping for another shot at love. Some OurTime members have formed long-distance friendships, while others have arranged first dates that led to committed relationships.

Only users with a premium subscription can send unlimited messages on OurTime; however, the senior dating app allows free members to send free replies to their most compatible matches.

8. Facebook Dating

Facebook Dating is a relatively new dating app, but it has the backing of the world’s top social networking platform. During a conference in 2018, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced his intentions to disrupt the online dating industry, and it caused a lot of excitement throughout the industry.

To date, Facebook Dating has created over 1.5 billion matches around the world. It is currently available in 20 countries, including the U.S., Mexico, Canada, and Brazil.

Facebook Dating has curated matches based on a wealth of personal information.

Only Facebook users can access the Facebook Dating application, so fake profiles are not a concern here. The dating service allows singles to flip through dating profiles, send free messages to matches, and identify crushes in their Facebook friends list. The app is all about genuine, interest-based matchmaking, and that appeals to senior singles seeking a relationship.

Our Facebook Dating review goes into more details about how the dating app works and how successful it has been so far.

9. Senior Match

In 2003, Senior Match created a mature dating space where senior singles can be themselves and seek quality matches in the over-50 age group. The online dating site includes a free discussion forum where users can exchange romantic tips and ideas. Plus, online daters can access targeted search filters to meet a new person with desirable traits.

Senior Match sees over 6,000 daily active users.

When it comes to free senior dating sites, Senior Match consistently ranks near the top of the list. It is easy to use and has a free membership that never expires, so senior singles can explore local date options without tapping into their savings.

Senior Match has collected over 36,600 success stories from its members, and undoubtedly many more untold love stories have started in its forum.

10. SeniorSizzle

SeniorSizzle offers an online dating hot spot for sex-driven singles and swingers around the world. The platform doesn’t require that users stay local in their search for hotties either.

An American senior can use the ZIP code search option to browse dating profiles in the Caribbean, Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world. SeniorSizzle allows its members to send instant messages across borders and oceans, so nothing stands in the way of a romantic connection.

SeniorSizzle can help older singles spice up their sex life.

Over the years, SeniorSizzle has gotten a steamy reputation for satisfying a single person’s demands for sexual stimulation and dating excitement. It’s a fun place to have a passionate encounter and build an intimate relationship with someone new.

11. SeniorFriendsDate

SeniorFriendsDate is a free dating site for singles who are 50 and over. The dating platform has free search and messaging features available to all members at all times. No need to worry over subscription payments or monthly fees.

SeniorFriendsDate.com connects people with similar life experiences.

Once you complete the signup, including uploading a photo, you’ll have access to every dating profile in the Friends Date network. The site offers search filters based on age, location, appearance, religion, and lifestyle to narrow down the choices.

Single adults can browse SeniorFriendsDate to enjoy a casual chat, make friends, and perhaps even get into a senior relationship.

12. FlirtyMature

FlirtyMature caters to those flirtatious older folks who don’t let age stop them from having fun. Or having sex. This casual dating site promotes a sex-positive atmosphere where a quick search could lead to a private chat and an instant hookup.

FlirtyMature has reached out to mature daters in the U.S. and the U.K.

It takes under a minute to join FlirtyMature and start viewing profiles and photos. The dating site has search filters rather than swiping tools, so users can be more strategic when pursuing an attractive date. Another upside of using FlirtyMature.com is that the free membership does not expire or come with hidden fees.

13. DateMyAge

DateMyAge launched in the 1990s and has been at the forefront of the online dating industry ever since. The dating website introduces older singles to age-appropriate dates in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and up. Straight men and women don’t have to do much searching to meet compatible singles in this exclusive senior dating pool.

Older singles must pass a profile screening process to gain entry to DateMyAge.

DateMyAge offers scam-prevention software to ensure senior singles don’t encounter fake profiles or romance scammers on the site. Its verification tools have set high standards for members and given real romances the chance to flourish.

“Our company now covers more than 32 countries and offers the technology that lets members take dating further than ever,” the DateMyAge team said. “Our ambition is to connect singles no matter where they are and inspire romance on a global scale.”

14. SinglesOver60

Singles Over 60 is an old-school dating site for old-school daters. The majority of its users are in their 60s and looking for a fresh start in the love department. Some are widowers, and others are divorcees, but they all share a common desire to meet new people in the senior community.

From the U.S. to South Africa, Singles Over 60 has spread a hopeful message around the world and helped people feel a little less lonely in their golden years.

Singles Over 60 is a safe and simple platform for meeting singles of an advanced age.

Thanks to Singles Over 60, single men can meet single women in the older generations and savor romantic connections that are more than skin deep.

Singles Over 60 is part of a larger company called White Label Dating. Its streamlined search and matchmaking tools have made online dating easier on the user, so it doesn’t take much knowledge or experience to have a good time here.

15. SeniorFriendFinder

SeniorFriendFinder operates under the motto “dating for people with experience.” Adults who have lived a full life can unite under this banner and enjoy the perks of a free membership. Browsing the dating website is completely free. The site is open to any mature person looking for an emotional or physical connection.

SeniorFriendFinder.com allows free members to explore their local date options.

SeniorFriendFinder runs a mature chat room for singles in the U.S. and abroad. Its network stretches to every corner of the globe and has tons of active members.

Whether you’re looking for a new friend, a casual hookup, or a future bride or groom, you can depend on SeniorFriendFinder to put you in touch with singles in your generation.

How Do Free Dating Sites for People Over 50 Work?

Senior singles don’t have to be very tech-savvy to get into the online matching game. Senior dating sites provide a simple registration form that automatically completes the dating profile. Sometimes that process includes a relationship questionnaire, and it’s usually a good idea to complete as many sections and prompts as possible to make yourself stand out from the crowd. Our experts also recommend uploading at least three pictures of yourself to show different sides of your personality and make it clear you are a real person with good intentions.

Then you can start swiping or searching for your perfect match. Most dating sites will offer compatibility matching options based on age, gender, location, and other important characteristics.

It’s important to note that free messaging is not a given in the online dating scene. Some sites only allow singles with a paid membership to communicate, and some swiping apps put time limits or matchmaking requirements on private chats. Free messaging platforms often have to put some standards or rules in place to ensure spammers don’t usurp the space and ruin the experience for everyone.

Are Free Dating Sites Better Than Paid Dating Sites?

Free dating sites can save single people money, but paid dating sites can save them time. So it’s up to you to decide which you value more. If you’re willing to invest hours swiping and matching, then a free site or free app could be just the thing. But if you’re hoping to find higher quality matches quickly, then it could be worth investing in a paid subscription.

A 100% free dating site can be tempting because of its low price tag; however, it can also attract scam artists and spammers who set up fake profiles as bait for vulnerable online daters. Be cautious when browsing free sites because some users may take advantage of the free atmosphere.

Some online scammers can slip under the radar on free dating sites.

Finding a good date on a free dating service can be a little like looking for a needle in a haystack. It’s possible, but you’ll need to have patience.

That’s why some serious daters prefer to use paid dating sites where a paywall deters unsavory characters and match algorithms prioritize the most compatible dating profiles. It’s much harder for a scammer to operate in a space where payment is required for messaging. Plus, paid dating sites can usually afford to have more screening filters and security tools in place to keep everyone safe.

How Do I Choose the Best Free Dating Site for People Over 50?

Choosing a senior dating site can be difficult for newcomers because there are a lot of options with similar features and marketing language. That’s why it’s a good idea to read reviews and ask senior friends or family members if they’ve tried online dating and how their experience went. By getting an insider’s look at online dating, seniors can figure out which particular sites and apps have the best chance of working.

Are Free Dating Sites for People Over 50 Safe?

Yes, online dating is a safe way to meet new people because you have an automatic screening system in place. You’re not thrown into the deep end of a blind date nor are you under pressure to start conversations with strangers at a bar. Online dating eases singles into a new match. The dating profile setup can offer some good personal insights and online chats can confirm if a single person is genuine and right for you.

Setting up a video call or phone call before a first date can be a good way to verify that the budding romance is legit.

Online daters can conduct a background check on social media to determine if their matches are real.

The biggest safety concern with online dating is the chance of meeting an online dating scammer or stalker. Some of the warning signs of fake profiles include posting a generic photo, using broken English, and asking for money. It is never a good idea to give money to a person you met online. If an online match asks for a monetary loan, gift, or favor, you should block and report the user to the dating website or app immediately.

Is Tinder for People Over 50?

Tinder is widely recognized as a top dating app for casual hookups and flirty chats, but it doesn’t work very well as a senior dating app.

Senior daters are few and far between on Tinder. Over 50% of Tinder users are under 25 years old, and fewer than 15% are in the over-50 category. Tinder is not ideal for senior singles — unless they’re an experienced sugar daddy or cougar.

Does AARP Recommend Dating Sites for People Over 50?

Yes, the AARP provides tons of advice and guidance for retired people, and its website even provides some dating site and app recommendations. The blog has an online dating section in which its experts highlight popular online dating services, including Senior Match, OurTime, eharmony, and Bumble. Its reviews cover the leading platforms in the senior dating space and provide insights to make new users feel more comfortable online.

“Dating apps and sites run the gamut from free to paid, and many offer free versions but charge a fee for all the bells and whistles,” according to an AARP advice article.

Are There Any Free Hookup Sites for People Over 50?

Yes, plenty of senior adults are sexually active and have found hookup buddies online. It’s just a matter of knowing where to go to encounter like-minded people.

Adult dating sites provide easy access to sexy local singles, so seniors don’t have to step foot in a bar to pick up a hot date. Here are a few of our favorite hookup sites for people in their 50s and older.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups, Chats

Match System:Search by encounter, location, and more

Our Experts Say:“..” Full Review»

Browse Free:View Photos Now

BeNaughty promotes a sex-driven environment where singles can be flirty and behave badly in a virtual dating world. The hookup site allows users to browse under nicknames rather than their real names and photos are not required.

Online daters can make fast and casual connections in this international user base. Some free messaging is available. Single women can chat for free on BeNaughty — as long as they have an approved profile picture. Single men must upgrade to a paid subscription if they wish to respond to messages in their inbox.

Our expert ratings are based on factors such as popularity, usability, value, and success rate of each site.

Relationships:Hookups Only

Match System:Search by location, interest, more

Our Experts Say:“Make no mistake: this site isn't about making friends, it's about short-term 'hookups' and affairs only. Note that a basic account costs $14.95/month, but it's well worth it if casual sex is your goal...”

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Adult Friend Finder has over 105 million users and counting, so it’s an exciting place to view personal ads, photos, blog posts, and videos in search of an attractive date. All free members can browse the membership base without restraint, however only a premium subscriber has access to X-rated strip teases and private messaging tools on the dating website.

Single & Over 50? It’s Not Too Late for Love!

Once you’re over 50, dating can become more complicated than ever before. It may be harder to meet new people, and older singles often have to navigate single parenthood, step families, exes, and in-laws in the process.

Online dating can efficiently break the ice and give singles more say in their romantic futures. Even if you’re a senior introvert, online dating sites and apps can bring you out of your shell and introduce you to potential matches based on specific criteria.

With a little luck and the right attitude, senior singles can find their next hot date or relationship by using our list of free dating sites for people over 50. A ton of worthy options await mature singles in the online dating scene, and it only takes a free profile or personal ad to find them. Best of luck!

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Since its launch in 2004, Facebook has become one of the most popular social networking sites on the Internet. While many of its users are teenagers and young adults, it's also an excellent way for all family members to keep in touch in our busy and often geographically dispersed lives. With 36.5 million senior citizens in the United States alone, and 351,000 people becoming a 'senior citizen' each year,^[1] making motivated senior citizens a rich source of potential Facebook users. If you're keen to help your grandparents stay in touch with the rest of the family, helping them to get onto Facebook might just be one of the best things you can do to keep them connected! Here are some suggestions on how you can help get a senior citizen or two connected on Facebook.

Steps

1. 1
   Be open-minded. It doesn't matter what age you are – you can learn technology. The real barrier is likely to be attitude – the younger generations believing that there is no point teaching older generations Facebook, and in turn, the elderly believing there is no point being a part of such online social networking.

   • Focus on the reality that many senior people care deeply about any method of communication that will enable them to remain connected with their family, friends, and other people they care about.^[3] In addition, elderly people tend to be just as curious as kids.^[5]
   • 'It's a great way to find old buddies!' – Explain to your senior friend how easy it is to catch up with long lost friends. Many elderly people are reconnecting with long-lost friends via Facebook. If you have any examples, provide them, especially if they involve elderly people.
   • 'It's a way that you can keep in touch with me and the rest of the family!' – Show your senior friend photos, status updates, and other family information that they can tap into and keep abreast of as family grows, travels, achieves successes, etc.
   • 'X celebrity uses it!' – Name their favorite celebrity, politician, poet, author, sportsperson, etc., and show them his or her account. Explain how they can be a fan of this person on Facebook, such as Susan Boyle.^[7]
   • 'You can get free deals, specials, etc., from your favorite stores and companies!' – Show them how they can find vouchers, coupons, special deals etc., by becoming fans of certain company sites.
   • 'You can play games on Facebook!' – Take the time to show them games and apps like Farmville on Facebook that might pique their curiosity.^[8]
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2. 3
   Explain the basics to your senior friend before opening an account. Facebook can be pretty confusing to master for people who are new to social networking, whatever their age. If you have an account on the site, log in and give your senior friend a visual overview of how to get started, using your account as an example. Work through it slowly and methodically and be patient. If you need to go over things again, do so.

   • Repeat what you're showing them, take it slowly, and stop after every few explanations to give them hands-on practice.^[9]
   • Don't use Facebook or online jargon without explaining it. For example, instead of going on about having a good avatar, be sure to say something like: 'It's really important to make sure you have a clear photo on your profile page. A photo is usually known as an avatar. People look to see your photo or avatar to work out whether or not they know you.' Keep in mind that all online related words you use must be translated to more commonly known words until your senior friend is used to the new terms.
3. 4
   Explain the privacy policy. Many seniors aren't comfortable with sharing so much information about themselves. Facebook might not be for them, but maybe diaspora is.
4. 5
   Make sure your senior friend can commit to being a member of Facebook. If your granddad is only doing this to humor you, it's probably a waste of time. Ask if the person you're helping is able to spend a little time now and then answering messages and friend requests from old buddies. The reactions you receive to your persuasive reasoning outlined above should help you to work out their level of likely ongoing active interest.
5. 6
   Create their account with them. Adjust volume and font size if necessary, before starting. Ensure that your senior friend has a valid email address before signing up; it's required and it's useful for receiving notifications of messages, friend requests, events, and so on, outside of Facebook. If they do not have an email address, create one for free using providers such as Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, etc. Have them fill in all the required fields when creating the Facebook account, and if they're uncomfortable providing personal information, show them how to customize their privacy settings as you go.

   • Reassure them about their privacy settings. Explain the settings thoroughly to make sure that they know what is and is not searchable by other people online. Respect the extent of privacy they wish to enforce.
   • Don't be afraid to print out the account steps in large print. Allowing older adults to read the instructions and explanations on paper can be reassuring and can help the learning and recognition process to activate more quickly.
6. 7
   Show your elderly friend how to add information to their profile. An email address and birthday is pretty bare for a Facebook profile - help them add information such as their current or former place of employment, old high schools or colleges, likes and interests, contact information, and more. Remember, only provide the information they are comfortable giving out and that the accessibility of all information can be adjusted with 'Privacy Settings'.
7. 8
   Help your senior friend join a school or workplace network, as well as Groups and Pages pertaining to old clubs or interests. This is a great way for them to reconnect with old friends, relatives, coworkers, employees, classmates, etc.
8. 9
   Encourage your newly converted elderly Facebook member to add their wisdom to Facebook. Everyone can learn from what senior citizens have to share. Encourage your senior friend to open up and share stories, thoughts, ideas, and wisdom with others on Facebook.

   • If your senior friend really takes to Facebook, help him or her gain a wider following of friends by telling your friends and liking and sharing their updates.
9. 10
   Learn from them. The wisdom of people who have lived many decades is irreplaceable and intensely valuable. If your newly Facebook converted senior friend makes pertinent comments about using the site, the way people are using the site, or even your seeming addiction to it, then maybe they're onto something. Keep your ears open to learn from their wise perspective about a modern way to do something humans have always done - keeping in touch.

   • Have a cup of something together and ask your senior friend what his or her thoughts about Facebook are. Ask questions and find out if there are any ways you can help to enhance their experience of being on Facebook. And remember to have a good laugh to relieve the tension built up from learning a new skill.
10. 11
    Let it be. If you've tried and your senior friend has been polite but displays a total lack of interest the moment you turn your back, be understanding. It isn't necessarily because they're older – it's probably because they're a lot wiser about how they'd like to use their time, and it's just not for them. Stick with the tried and true methods of keeping in touch through phone calls and turning up now and then.
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Community Q&A

• How do I delete a friend from my facebook page?

  Community Answer

  Go to their page by clicking their name. Once there, you should see several tabs beside their picture, usually labeled as 'friends' and 'following.' Drag your cursor over to 'friends,' and click it. You'll see an option to 'unfriend.' Click that and you're done.
• How do I change a picture on the profile?

  Community Answer

  On your Facebook page, move your mouse cursor over the picture. This should reveal a 'camera' icon that you can left click on. A box of options should open up -- highlight and click on the option to Change Picture and another box with your pictures will come up. Pick the one you want or upload a new one from your computer, and save.
• How will I know if someone is asking to become my friend on Facebook?

  Community Answer

  A little red number will pop up next to a small icon of a person at the top of the screen. Click the icon of a person and it will show you who wants to be your friend on Facebook. You can accept or decline the request.
• Why do some people on chat have a tick of a profile photo beside their names?

  Community Answer

  The tick or check on an account means that it is verified. In other words, Facebook is vouching for that person as being who they say they are.

Tips

• Areas of special interest to senior citizens include health, leisure, and finances. Bear this in mind when looking for Facebook pages of interest to them.
  Thanks!
• Be sure to tell them clearly and reassuringly what they're signing up for.
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• It can help if you can spend a little time doing some research beforehand to find Facebook pages that might be of interest to them rather than expecting your senior friend to 'get it'. If you lay the groundwork, this allows your senior friend to just jump right in and start using the site and pages already liked, giving them the chance to spread their wings by doing.
  Thanks!
• Keep the teaching short. If it's not going so well initially, be prepared to break up the teaching into shorter blocks over a short space of time. In addition, don't overdo the teaching of separate parts of Facebook at any one time. Do one thing at a time and then take breaks, or come back to other elements of Facebook on a different day.
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• The benefits of being a part of Facebook as a senior citizen can help to reduce feelings of loneliness or even depression, and can improve their ability to socialize with others online.^[10]
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Dating For Seniors Complaints

Warnings

• Keep your impatience in check. It's quite possible they're just as impatient with your enthusiasm to treat Facebook as the next best thing but they're too polite, experienced, and wise to mention it.
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• Be sure to explain Facebook's controversial privacy policy and activate all privacy requirements. Older people have more experience of privacy intrusions and are likely to be more wary (rightly so) of privacy breaches. In the process of helping them, listen closely to their concerns about privacy; you may learn a thing or two about the value of being more guarded too! Consider other social networks which are more privacy orientated like diaspora.
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• Be sure to inform them of possible phishing attacks and how to recognize them. Also, it may be worthwhile going over general internet safety rules (e.g. don't give your email address to just anyone, never give out credit card information).
  Thanks!
• Remind them, though, that this is not the place to police the 'younger generation'. Teenagers especially will quickly un-friend grandparents who are too judgmental.
  Thanks!

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Facebook account
• Information on Facebook joining process and privacy issues
• Printer (optional) - if you're printing off instructions, etc.

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References

1. ↑U.S. Census Bureau 2004
2. ↑J Michael Cuciti, Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool, p.4
3. ↑J Michael Cuciti, Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool, p.16
4. ↑Kathy Chin, The elderly learn to compute, http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1000/is_1985_Jan/ai_3577016/
5. ↑Susan Pigg, More senior surfers going online, http://www.thestar.com/living/article/730823--more-senior-surfers-going-online
6. ↑J Michael Cuciti, Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool, p. 4
7. ↑Susan Pigg, More senior surfers going online, http://www.thestar.com/living/article/730823--more-senior-surfers-going-online
8. ↑Jon Russell, Generation Facebook: Silver Surfers, http://www.asiancorrespondent.com/jon-russell/silver-surfers-highlight-importance-of-greater-internet-access-in-thailand
9. ↑J Michael Cuciti, Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool, p. 21

10. ↑J Michael Cuciti, Computer Instruction and Andragogy: Best Methods to Teach the Elderly E-mail as a Communication Tool, p.16 and p. 55
11. ↑Susan Pigg, More senior surfers going online, http://www.thestar.com/living/article/730823--more-senior-surfers-going-online

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