A new study from dating platform Ourtime reveals that singles over 50 are increasingly using energetic hobbies – like attending festivals and live music events – as a way to meet new people and form meaningful relationships.
As festival season begins, the research shows that nearly three-quarters of respondents in this age group feel more active and social than ever. Far from retreating into quiet pastimes, 54% say they still enjoy partying, with 43% citing festivals and 40% naming live gigs as top social interests. In fact, 67% said they prefer lively activities such as dancing or nightlife when seeking new connections, while more traditional hobbies like puzzles or knitting were less appealing.
These high-energy pursuits appear to serve more than just entertainment purposes. According to the data, 63% of respondents are looking for companionship, and 35% are open to romance. The majority (88%) believe that shared interests are essential to forming lasting bonds, indicating that hobbies are now playing a central role in how older adults date.
Other popular activities helping people in this demographic connect include travel (52%), yoga (25%), hiking (21%), and even tennis and cycling. Inspired in part by active celebrities in their 50s like Idris Elba and Davina McCall, many are turning to dating apps – 74% of those surveyed said they’ve used them – with platforms like Ourtime enabling matches based on mutual interests.
Rather than diving straight into romance, 47% of users are now prioritizing friendship-first connections, while 83% prefer activity-based meetups over conventional dates. These findings reflect a growing shift in midlife dating—less about urgency, more about authentic connection through shared experience.
