Group of mature adults at a themed throwback dating event, dressed in semi-formal attire, holding drinks, socializing outdoors during evening with string lights.

Over 50. Single.

And done doing this the hard way.

You've tried the apps. You've gone on the dates that went nowhere. You've swiped until the hope ran out.

What if meeting someone felt more like running into them at a dinner party than sorting through a database?

That’s what throwback dating is…

700+

Singles Personally Interviewed

100+

Curated Events

1,000+

Introductions Made

Real Relationships.

Real Second Chances.

A curated community for singles in their 50s and 60s who are living fully in this chapter of life — and ready to meet people who are doing the same.

who thrives here:

Throwback Daters are a specific kind of person. Active. Curious. Open. They show up to life… and they show up for other people.

This community is the right fit if you:

  • Lead an active lifestyle and take your health seriously

  • Are financially independent and invest in experiences, not just things

  • Are in a chapter of life where you have meaningful time and energy to invest in connection — whether that's an empty nest, a flexible lifestyle, or simply a decision that love is a priority right now

  • Are genuinely open… open-minded, open-hearted, and open to growth

  • Take pride in how you show up, in every sense of the word

  • Value real conversation over small talk

  • Are seeking a heterosexual relationship and ready to actually pursue it

This is an intentionally curated community. Applications are reviewed, and not everyone is accepted… not because anyone isn't worthy of love, but because the right fit matters for everyone.

This probably isn’t the right fit if:

  • You're just curious but not really ready to put yourself out there

  • You're not in a place where you're actively investing in your health and wellbeing

  • You're not ready to actively engage… whether that's showing up to events, connecting with members online, or doing the inner work that real dating requires

  • You're looking for something casual with no real intention behind it

We want this community to work for you, and that means being honest about fit upfront.

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.

HOW IT WORKS

Submit your application.

‍Megan personally reviews every application.

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.

If it feels like a great fit, you'll be invited into the Throwback Dating community and begin meeting members through events and thoughtful introductions.

Real Stories From Our Members

A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a beige coat standing next to a smiling man in a purple pinstripe suit in a wooded outdoor setting — Throwback Dating singles events Chicago over 50.

FEATURED ON NPR CHICAGO

"I was skeptical dating apps could ever work for me again."

To me, Megan Wessels is an angel. She has a true gift for connecting great, high-quality people.

I was skeptical at first, but after she interviewed me, she connected me with an incredible gentleman… someone with the very qualities I had been praying for. Through that connection, I found my second chance at love.

Megan brings a modern, intentional approach to organic dating, and I’m deeply grateful for the way she helped change my life.

Eden, Throwback Dating Member

Listen to Eden and her partner share their story on NPR Chicago's In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons.

Listen here →

From dating apps to real connection.

"I was tired of wasting months on dating apps."

After wasting months on dating apps, I met someone naturally in one evening at a Throwback Dating event. Thirty dates later, we're still together.

— Justin, Throwback Dating Member

FROM SKEPTICAL TO HAPPILY PARTNERED.

"I'd stopped believing the right person was still out there."

At 55, I was a successful, self-employed woman who wanted a real connection, not another match. Megan personally introduced me to someone empathetic, fun, and a true gentleman, exactly who I'd been hoping to meet.

— Ursula, Throwback Dating Member

FROM FIRST EVENT TO FIRST DATE.

"After 20 years of marriage, I didn't think dating could ever feel like me again."

A year on the apps left me feeling like a profile instead of a person. I met Rob at my very first Throwback Dating event, and months of easy friendship turned into a real, unforced relationship.

— Kate, Throwback Dating Member

FROM INTRODUCTIONS TO LASTING RELATIONSHIPS.

"I didn't think I'd find myself again, let alone find someone."

Throwback Dating opened me up to possibilities I didn't know existed. I found a connection with someone special I never would have met any other way, and stepped into a whole new chapter of my life.

— Rob, Throwback Dating Member

A woman with short gray hair and glasses holding a glass of red wine in a crowded social gathering.

Your person is out there. And they might already be in this community. We'd love to learn more about you.

You'll hear from us by text and email within 48 hours.