People are living longer and staying active well into old age. Senior citizens in their 60s, 70s, 80s and even 90s are living full and active lives refusing to fade into the background. Retirement today often means the start of a new phase of life with travelling,

learning new skills and even starting new businesses.

However it can also mean loneliness due to the death of a spouse or break up of a relationship after the children have left home. A man or woman in their 60s left alone could expect to live another 20 years plus.

Re entering the dating scene after 30 years with the same partner can seem very daunting. It may have even been high school that you met and married your spouse. Don't worry as there are many people in the same position as you and feeling just as anxious.

Where do you go to meet people of the same age group as yourself with similar interests? You could try taking up a new interest and joining a class were the members are likely to be more mature such as wine tasting, drawing classes, art appreciation, theatre groups or music appreciation.

You could consider joining a senior dating website. Most members will be over 50 years old and you can browse through profiles in the comfort of your home before deciding to join as a paid member and contact those you like the look of.

Creating your own profile isn't difficult but does require some thought and consideration. Create an eye catching headline and then write a profile about yourself that stands out from the others. Tell a story in your profile, for example don't just say that you like cooking. You could talk about the time you went to Spain and met up with a couple who gave you their delicious recipe for paella.

Add a flattering and recent photo of yourself. Don't use one that's more than a couple of years old, Get yourself a new hairstyle to give added confidence and pick an outfit that's attractive and makes you feel comfortable. Natural outdoor lighting is more flattering.

Get to know members first by email and then if you meet someone you feel comfortable with talk to them on the phone. This is a great way to discover if there is any chemistry between you.

Speed dating is another option for meeting other senior singles in your area. This has become a very popular way of meeting new people and enables you to have lots of mini dates in one evening. You get to spend about 6 to 10 minutes with each date and in that time ask a few questions to help you get to know them. At the end of the evening you are matched with people who you shared a mutual interest with.

If you live in the UK Saga run a holiday package for single people over the age of 50. Of course you don't know who your fellow passengers will be and you could end up on a week's holiday with people you don't like very much! On the other hand you may have a fantastic holiday and make new friends as well.

It doesn't matter how old you are there are plenty of opportunities to find friendship and romance.