I was 66 when I started looking around. it's really a minefield out there, but I got lucky.I am 72 now and will be married 3 years in June. We met on a seniors internet sight. You are right about it being hard. I spent a lot of time looking and corresponding on the internet. Then progressed to phone conversations, finally to a first date where it mostly ended. If you internet date you have to interview or kiss a lot of frogs before you find a princess. My divorced daughter who has done a lot of internet dating told me the same thing when it came to man frogs and princes. I learned that women my age who had never been married before could be really wierd, and that women who were divorced tended not to understand the mind of a widower.
Don't give up , there are good people out there, it's work to find them. I wish there was a better plave to meet people, but for me the internet with all it's pitfalls was my best choice. One more thing my daughter , my dating coach, told me was that several of her dates came on way too strong with the syrupy romantic stuff, like flowers on the first date and came off as too needy which was a turn off for her.

It would interesting to hear the other side of this from some of the women. Not accusing, just statements like that painting 100% of women in a negative way might require a rethinking.

I was happily married 30 years. She died 3 years ago. It is a different world out there, that is for sure. Be true to yourself, seek a friend first, and don't just date to try to fill the emptiness in your heart like I did. You need to reach a point where you are happy with just being alone with yourself the rest of your days. When you get there, that's when a new life with a true friend becomes possible. This is a long journey and there are no shortcuts. Diversions, yes. Lasting relationships, way more difficult. ~~~ Scottie

Ozzy, don't give up yet. There are a lot of nice women who do like NICE men. I know quite a few in fact! Geeee where do you live? lol I think if you get out and do the things you like to do you will naturally meet people. Making friends sometimes can turn into more. Just go slow, I made the mistake of going too fast now it's a mess. Soozee

Hi Ozzy - I agree, don't give up! I"m 53 years old as well and a woman. I've had my fill of "bad boys" and all the drama they bring. Nice guys are where it's at! and I know I'm not alone in my thinking.. Kim

You will possibly met someone. I lost my husband and spent 5 years learning to survive without him. The loneliness was hardest. Hated sitting alone watching tv. Tried reading since I've always been an avid reader, but I couldn't concentrate. Then I began going places, even if I didn't need anything I would walk around grocery store. I lived near a river and would sit watching the water and boats. Anything to force myself out. I hibernated after his death. Not good.
Met a wonderful man and we enjoyed our time together. You can't force it. Just be open and find what you enjoy. Oh, we have to smile and say hello. You can't find them. You have to find each other. Best wishes. Sharon

The prospects here always turn out to be too young or too old for me. Plus I doubt either of them are even "looking" for someone else. I am getting a lot of scammers - men who "find" me, find out I'm a widow, and it goes from there. I have to block them once they give themselves away. Is 65 too old to wish for another mate or companion? If I wait another five years to even date or begin a friendship, then I think it could be a little late. People are cruel in what they say and how they react. I just need someone to hold my heart.

I'm 53 as well and widowed 5 years . I have yet to date as nice guys are hard to find! (the ones who are single )
I have hope that someone might walk into my path one day but in the meantime I have focused on me and being happy with me.