Fast-Track Flirting

You get only three minutes to ask a prospective companion questions at so-called speed-dating events—and 73-year-old Gerry Price says he gets right to the point: “What medications are you on, and how many times have you been married?”

Traditionally, speed dating has been popular among busy professionals in their 20s through 40s. But now it’s on the rise for folks such as Gerry, of Clearwater, Florida. He heard a radio ad for a seniors speed-dating day, offering brief encounters in the hopes of making a more lasting connection later. He figured, why not?

Here’s how it works: you chat with someone for three minutes or so to see if there are any sparks, then keep switching seats and meeting new prospects. “It’s becoming more popular with the 50-plus crowd, says Lorraine Schack, coordinator of senior social services for Rockville, Maryland, which held its first senior speed-dating event in February. “As we get older, this is an easy way to meet people.” Announcements turn up on adult-oriented radio stations; community newspapers are also good resources.

As for Gerry, his speed-dating round resulted in a follow-up phone call, but “there was no chemistry.” Which goes to show that where there’s speed dating, speed dumping can’t be far behind.