The Best Place to Meet New People in Retirement

Here’s a slap for those out there 55 and older who are looking for either a mate or a date.

Forty-five percent of all people over the age of 65 are divorced, separated or widowed. Many are looking for a new relationship but might not be making the most of all the resources available.

The traditional places to find a new friend, lover or mate are still there, but there are also places you probably haven’t considered.

First, you can still find love next door. It’s not uncommon for an older person who finds themselves suddenly alone to fall for someone they’ve known forever, like someone from their neighborhood.

There are also community groups and volunteer activities. I’m not even looking and I’ve found the volunteer route to be chock-full of possibilities!

But here’s a place that most of us in the older-than-55 group would probably never consider but has become very popular: grocery stores.

People are literally shopping for love.

Whether you’re looking for romance, friends or just a place to play bingo, grocery stores are becoming a social hub.

A chain in Oregon has made room for couches, fireplaces and restaurant-like services in its newest store plans.

A Carolina chain has a village concept where shops are built around a common area used for all kinds of activities.

There are even wine tasting aisles – which are similar to singles bars – that are so popular the managers describe it as trying to herd cats. Some customers who aren’t shopping for love even complain about not being able to get around the crowd.

Some stores argue that the space used for these common areas can’t justify the cost. But others say the common areas create a halo effect, warming customers to their brand.

Shoppers who frequent these grocery stores say it’s different than meeting at a singles bar. The people in grocery stores aren’t desperate. They’re just getting something to eat… and being friendly while doing it.

People report this is easier than dating because they’re distracted by their shopping chores and not trying to impress anyone.

Some shoppers/daters have even been spotted breaking into dance in the aisles if one of their favorite songs is played on the intercom.

Well, it isn’t Looking for Mr. Goodbar, but it is one more place to give love another try.

And no matter where you find your next true love, don’t make the most common mistake on a first date after the age of 60: giving a data dump about your physical ailments. The numbers indicate you’ll bomb with that one.

Good investing,

Steve