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Older Adults Engaging in Online Dating: What Gerontological Nurses Should Know

Rachel K. Wion ; Susan J. Loeb (2015) — Journal of Gerontological Nursing

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DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20150826-67 (opens in a new tab)

Country:   Global
Tags:   Dating Safety, Financial Exploitation, Intimate Partner Violence, Nursing Assessment, Older Adults, Online Dating, Romance Scams, Sexual Health
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Synopsis

            
The publication reviews what is known about older adults who use online dating and what gerontological nurses should know to support safety and well‑being. Its stated purpose is to examine the body of evidence on online dating among older adults, identify clinical implications for nurses assessing dating practices in older patients, and highlight safety considerations. The authors draw on cross‑sectional and qualitative studies, plus a synthesis of prior literature, to describe why older adults seek partners, how online dating is used in later life, and what risks accompany these practices. Across the reviewed studies, a subset of older adults actively pursues dating online, with some markets targeting individuals 50 and older. Evidence cited includes that a notable minority of unmarried adults aged roughly 57–85 report being in dating relationships, and that online venues can help overcome geographic constraints and social isolation. However, the literature also documents risks specific to online dating in later life, including financial scams, emotional and physical abuse, sexual risk, and privacy/data‑breach concerns. Several studies describe romance scams in which perpetrators solicit money or manipulate victims; others highlight forms of abuse that may co‑occur with dating relationships formed online. The authors emphasize that these risks can be present even when relationships seem meaningful or enduring. The article concludes that gerontological nurses are well positioned to screen for dating activities in older patients, educate about safer online dating practices, and connect patients to relevant resources. It notes that the existing evidence base is largely limited to cross‑sectional or qualitative designs (level III), and implies a need for further rigor in research and in the development of practical, evidence‑based interventions to promote safety in online dating for older adults.

          

        
                  

            
Identified Gaps

            
Research on intimate partner violence, elder abuse, and financial abuse among older adults who are dating is sparse. National prevention and education campaigns on intimate partner or dating violence generally do not focus on this age group. Little research has examined the possible and actual risks faced by older adults using online dating websites.

          

        
                  

            
Methods

            
This narrative literature review examined evidence on adults aged 50 and older who engage in online dating and outlined clinical implications for gerontological nurses. The authors rated included studies using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice scale. The reviewed studies were cross-sectional or qualitative, with samples and findings drawn from several countries.

          

        
                  

            
Limitations

            
The review reports that all included studies were Level III evidence because they used cross-sectional or qualitative designs. Most studies were rated good quality, but some were low quality and only one was high quality. This limits causal inference and indicates that the evidence base on older adults' online dating risks remains methodologically limited.

          

        
                  

            
Future Work

            
Researchers should develop and rigorously test intervention strategies that promote the safety of older adults who meet partners through electronic dating websites.

          

              

    
    

        
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