And, think about this as you read—Do you have a playbook for your love life? You should. No, it’s not weird. You plan a trip, right? You don’t just book a flight to Malta and say oh whatever? Nope, you have hotels, activities, researched places to go and see, etc lined up.

By Hilary Tetenbaum, USA Today Staff Reporter (March 5, 2025)

For many people over 50, re-entering the dating world can feel overwhelming. The rules have changed, and online dating is now the norm. That’s why Andrea McGinty, Godmother of Modern Dating, wrote 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50—a clear, strategic guide to dating with confidence and success. 

The Inspiration Behind 2nd Acts 

Andrea McGinty has spent decades helping singles find love. As the founder of It’s Just Lunch in 1990, she has seen dating evolve from newspaper personal ads to sophisticated algorithms. She wrote this book to help those over 50 navigate modern dating with ease. 

“I wrote this book as an in-depth manual to help people date. After a 24-year marriage, I was ready to date again, and I understand all the feelings—Am I too old? Are there quality matches out there? What will I talk about on dates? The 14 worksheets in the book are ones I use with clients to help them prepare for their 2nd Act.” — Andrea McGinty 

The Invisible Factor: The Loneliness Epidemic & Gray Divorce 

“Is it real? You bet.”  According to the latest University of Michigan study—1/3 of adults aged 50-80 report feeling lonely and lacking companionship. Over 36% of people have experienced divorce, which of course contributes to this. (Source: APA) 

Loneliness among divorced individuals over 56 is increasing due to: 

Meanwhile, gray divorce rates have doubled since the 1990s due to factors like: 

• Empty Nest Syndrome – Couples realize they have little in common after their kids leave. 

• Financial Independence – More people can afford to leave unhappy marriages. 

• Less Stigma – Divorce is no longer seen as a scandal. 

• Longer Life Expectancy – People want fulfilling relationships, not just tolerable ones.
  
  

 Studies show that social connections are crucial for happiness and longevity. 2nd Acts emphasizes building meaningful relationships beyond romance, including friendships and new social circles. 

“Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges my clients face. It’s not just about dating—it’s about rebuilding a social life. Trying new activities like pickleball, bridge, or travel groups can help create connections.” — Andrea McGinty 

A sound social support system is crucial for older daters–which can range from family and friends to activities. Often this falls off later in life due to retirement and less exposure to people. Yes, you can work on your love life but also consider other avenues such as meet-ups that address your new and old interests and an opportunity to meet new people and increase your social circle. In McGinty’s new book, she talks about both–bolstering your friendship group and getting you on the right road to romance. Her playbook works for both! 

McGinty’s Playbook for Dating Success: 166 Strategies to Swipe Smarter and Love Brighter

1. Check Your Emotional Baggage 

Before diving in, make sure you’re not still carrying past heartbreak. Are you feeling optimistic? Can you resist the urge to bring up your ex over appetizers? A handy worksheet in the book helps you assess if you’re truly ready. 

2. Think Like a CEO of Love 

Sure, dating is personal—but a little strategy never hurts. Treat dating like launching a startup: have a plan, stay flexible, and keep your resilience handy. 

3. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Dating App 

Just like a smart business diversifies marketing channels, successful daters don’t rely on a single app. Invest in two or three platforms and keep an open mind—every first meeting is just research, not a final decision. 

4. Build Your Personal Brand (Yes, Even in Dating!) 

You already have a brand online—so why not apply that to dating? A fun worksheet in the book has you ask five friends for five words that describe you, helping you craft an authentic and confidence-boosting profile. 

5. Swipe, Learn, Repeat 

Dating is a numbers game, and rejection isn’t a verdict on your worth. Each experience is another step forward—so keep swiping, keep learning, and most importantly, keep having fun! 

Overcoming Hesitation & Embracing Your 2nd Act 

It’s normal to be nervous or have some angst about dating, especially after a long relationship or marriage. But is there a perfect time to begin dating again?  A perfect time to start golf lessons?  A perfect time to get pregnant?  McGinty says no and the best thing you can do is to jump in with both feet, practice dating and after 3 or 4 first dates, you’ll find the nervousness is gone and you are actually having fun. 

Dating over 50 isn’t about settling—it’s about thriving! With the right mindset and strategies, your second act can be your best one yet. 

Ready to jump back in? 2nd Acts: Winning Strategies for Dating Over 50 is available at 33000dates.com or on Amazon. 

Andrea McGinty, known as the Godmother of Modern Dating, has facilitated over 33,000 dates and 10,000+ marriages. As the founder of It’s Just Lunch in the 1990s and 33000Dates.com in the 2020s, she helps singles in their second act of dating with a strategic, business-like approach. Her influence has shaped the matchmaking industry, with more than 40% of today’s top 25 matchmakers tracing their roots back to her pioneering techniques. Her latest book offers a hands-on, tech-savvy road map for finding love later in life—packed with actionable worksheets, QR-coded video coaching, and expert insights.

Thanks, USA Today—this was a surprise!