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Starting again after fifty can feel daunting, and finding the right place to meet people is half the battle. The ourtime dating app is one of the best known options built specifically for people in midlife and beyond, so it is a natural place to look. Whether you are widowed, divorced or simply ready for a fresh chapter, you deserve somewhere comfortable to start. But is it any good, and is it worth paying for?
We have put together a straightforward review to help you decide. We will cover how it works, what is free, how to stay safe and how to get the most from it. Prices and features change from time to time, so always check the current details on the official site or app before you commit to anything. There is no pressure here at all: simply take what is useful, ignore the rest, and go at a speed that suits you.
What Is the OurTime Dating App?
OurTime is an online dating service for adults aged fifty and over. It is part of the same family of dating brands as Match, which is one reason it has a polished feel and a sizeable membership. The whole idea is to give people of a similar age a space of their own, without having to compete with a much younger crowd on a general app.
You can use it in a web browser or through a mobile app. Many people in their fifties, sixties and seventies are perfectly comfortable with that, but if you are new to apps, do not worry. The sign-up process is guided, and you can take it at your own pace.
The tone tends to be friendly and relaxed. People are often looking for companionship, someone to share days out with, or a long-term relationship. Everyone knows the score, and that takes a lot of pressure off.
How It Works
Getting started follows a familiar pattern:
- Create a profile. You add your age, location, photos and a short description of yourself and what you are looking for.
- Browse members. You can search by age, distance and other preferences, and look through profiles at your leisure.
- Show interest. If someone catches your eye, you can send a small gesture to let them know.
- Start chatting. Once you have a connection, you can message each other and, when you are both comfortable, arrange to meet.
There are also features that help you find people with shared interests, as well as events and activities in some areas. These come and go, so look at what is on offer when you sign up.
It is a more traditional style of dating than a swipe-heavy app. You have time to read profiles properly, which many over 50s prefer.
Free Versus Paid
Joining is free. You can usually create a profile, browse and see who is out there without spending anything. That is a good way to find out if there are enough people near you before you decide whether to upgrade.
The limit on the free side is communication. Reading and sending full messages generally requires a paid subscription, which is the usual model for this kind of service. Paid plans come in different lengths, and the longer plans normally cost less per month.
We are deliberately not quoting prices, because they differ by offer and change regularly. Here is what to do before you pay:
- Look at the plans on the official site and compare the monthly cost with the total cost.
- Check whether the subscription renews automatically, and know how to turn that off.
- Only buy through the official website or app store.
- Set a reminder for a few days before the plan ends.
If you want to try before you buy, have a look at our guide to free dating sites in the UK, which includes options that cost nothing to use.
Is the OurTime Dating App Good for Over 50s?
For many people, yes. The biggest advantage is simply that everyone is in the same stage of life. There is no need to explain why you are single, why you have grown-up children, or why you are not interested in the nightlife of someone half your age.
Here is what tends to work well:
- A shared starting point. People are generally open about their age, their history and what they want.
- A slower, friendlier pace. There is less pressure to reply instantly or to be witty on demand.
- A focus on companionship. Many members want a partner for travel, hobbies and good conversation, not just romance.
- A clear, simple layout. It is designed to be easy to read and use.
Some of the downsides are worth knowing too. In smaller towns, the number of local members may be limited. The cost of messaging can be off-putting if you are on a tight budget. And like every dating service, it takes patience. Do not expect to meet your perfect match in the first week.
Setting Up a Profile That Gets Replies
Your profile is your shop window, so a little effort here pays off quickly.
- Use recent photos. Choose clear, natural pictures from the last year or two. Include a smiling headshot and one that shows you doing something you love.
- Be honest about your age and situation. Trust matters a great deal at this stage of life.
- Be specific. Instead of saying you enjoy walking and good food, mention the coastal path you love or the restaurant you always return to.
- Say what you want. Companionship, a relationship or simply someone to chat to: be clear and kind.
- Keep it positive. Focus on what you are looking for rather than a list of things you cannot stand.
If you feel stuck, ask a friend to read your profile and tell you honestly what impression it gives. They often spot things you cannot.
Starting Conversations
The hardest part for many people is the first message. The best advice is to keep it light, personal and short. Mention something from their profile, such as a hobby or a place they love, and ask a simple question.
Avoid long life stories in the opening message, and avoid anything too forward. A friendly hello and a genuine question will get a better reaction than a clever line. If you want more ideas on how to chat to someone you have just met, our guide on how to text someone you just met has useful pointers that apply just as well on a dating app.
Be patient if people do not reply. Some members log in only occasionally, and a lack of response is rarely personal.
Safety on the OurTime Dating App
Sadly, anyone using a dating service needs to be careful, and some scammers target older people in particular. A few simple rules will protect you:
- Never send money. No matter how sad or urgent the story, do not send cash, gift cards or bank details to someone you have not met in person.
- Be wary of fast declarations of love. Someone who says they are in love after a few messages is a red flag.
- Watch for requests to move off the platform. Stay on the site until you really trust the person.
- Check photos and details. If a profile looks too good to be true, it might be.
- Keep personal details private. Do not share your home address, financial details or passwords.
Learn the warning signs in our guide to how to spot a catfish, and report any suspicious profile to the site straight away. When you do meet, choose a public place, tell a friend or family member where you are going and arrange your own travel.
Meeting in Person
After a few good conversations, it is natural to want to meet. There is no strict rule on timing, but many people find that a week or two of regular messages is enough to know whether it is worth a coffee. Suggest something simple and daytime: a cafe, a garden centre, a walk by the river or lunch somewhere busy.
Keep the first meeting short and relaxed. An hour is plenty. If it goes well, you can always stay longer or arrange a second date. If it does not, you have lost very little and can leave politely. Be kind either way. A clear, honest message the next day is better than disappearing.
It is perfectly normal to feel nervous. Nearly everyone does, whatever their age. Our advice on questions to ask before a first date can help you feel prepared and keep the conversation flowing.
Making the Most of Your Time on the App
A little routine goes a long way. Rather than checking constantly, set aside a short period each day to browse, reply to messages and tweak your profile. Ten to twenty minutes is plenty. Little and often works better than a long session once a month.
Do not be disheartened if the first few weeks are quiet. Most people need time to find their feet. If you are not getting responses, look again at your photos and your opening lines. Try updating your profile with something new, such as a recent hobby or trip, as an updated profile can be shown to more people.
Finally, keep a life outside the app. Stay in touch with friends, keep up your hobbies and treat dating as one part of a full life, rather than the only thing in it. That confidence shows, and it makes you much more attractive to others.
Alternatives to Consider
OurTime is not the only choice, and it may not be the right one for everyone. Other options include:
- Other over-50s sites: several UK services focus on the same age group, each with a slightly different feel and price.
- General dating sites: big names such as Match and eharmony have members of all ages, including plenty of people in their fifties and beyond.
- Free sites: some are free to message, so you can test the waters at no cost.
- Offline routes: walking groups, dance classes, volunteering, choirs and clubs are great for meeting people with common interests.
We have rounded up more choices in our list of dating sites for over 50s, which compares the main UK services in plain English.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is OurTime free to use? Creating a profile and browsing is usually free, but you normally need a paid subscription to send and read full messages. Check the current options on the official site.
Who uses it? Adults aged fifty and over, from those newly single to those widowed or divorced a long time ago. People are looking for everything from friendship and companionship to a serious relationship.
Is it safe? The site has safety tools and moderation, but no platform is risk free. Never send money, keep early chats on the site and meet in public.
Can I use it on my phone? Yes. There is a mobile app as well as a website, so you can use whichever you find easier.
How do I cancel? Turn off auto-renewal in your account settings or, if you subscribed through an app store, in your app store account. Keep a note of the date your plan ends.
Our Verdict
For adults looking for companionship or love later in life, the ourtime dating app is a sensible, friendly place to start. It is not the cheapest option, and the number of local members will depend on where you live, but the shared stage of life makes conversations easier and more relaxed.
Start with a free profile, see who is nearby and decide for yourself. If you need a hand choosing the right site or setting up your profile, please get in touch, or browse more honest guides at Singles Warehouse.
