Seven ways to find love later in life as Kristin Scott Thomas marries at 64

Jess Bacon
·Contributor
Updated ·4-min read
Kristin Scott Thomas arrives at the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Kristin Scott Thomas has married her long-term partner at 64. (AP Photo)

A common misconception about love is that it’s a young person’s game. In reality, romance can blossom at any age.

Dame Kristin Scott Thomas is proof of that. The 64-year-old actor has revealed she secretly married her partner of five years, Bloomberg editor-in-chief John Micklethwait, in September.

The happy news broke on Ruthie’s Table 4 podcast with host Lady Ruth Rogers saying of Scott Thomas: "Sitting here today, she is basking in love and the joy of just a few weeks ago getting married to the editor and my friend John Mickelthwait."

Miranda Hart is another actor who found love later in life. The 51-year-old star confirmed on The One Show that she married her partner this year. :I'm not going to reveal how we met because that's a little bit of a twist," she said. "But he's my best friend. We have the best fun, and I'm just thrilled to be a young bride at 51."

Miranda Hart arriving at the UK premiere of
Miranda Hart said she felt like a "young bride" getting married at 51 (Getty Images)

Michelle Begy, founder of Ignite Dating tells Yahoo UK it's "never too late" to find love.

"Many people discover fulfilling relationships later in life, often with a deeper understanding of themselves and what they value in a partner. Age can bring emotional maturity, patience, and openness, all of which enhance the quality of connections."

Her advice is that you stay open-minded, be patient, and embrace authenticity. "Try to focus on finding genuine connections and be open to new experiences, as you never know where it might lead you," she adds.

Engaging in hobbies or community classes allows you to meet others with shared interests and passions, which can in turn spark natural connections, Begy says. Joining a fitness class or starting a hobby will introduce you to numerous new people, which could lead to love. Look out for classes aimed at the older generation (your local leisure centre, village hall or gym is bound to have something to offer) or walking, running, cycling or even wild swimming clubs. Of course, there are numerous mental and physical advantages to trying a new activity, too.

Portrait of senior couple on couch at home
Since the 2000s, the figures of couples who have got married in their 60s has doubled (Getty Images)

Volunteering for causes is another great way to meet new people. "These will be like-minded people who share your values and aspirations, which are often a fundamental foundation to a lasting relationship," Begy says.

According to YouGov, people are twice as likely to meet their partner through a friend than a dating app, so it’s worth revisiting your old connections. "This can sometimes lead to rekindled romances or new relationships, as shared history can create a strong foundation," Begy says.

There's a reason that dating apps are so popular - in this modern world, they're brilliant at connecting like-minded people. More and more people are meeting online and finding real love. While many are aimed at younger people, there's a growing number of apps that either appeal more to older users or are built specifically for a 50+ demographic.

If dating apps aren't for you, try speed dating. The BBC found that the over 50s were the "most lucrative" age group during speed dating or 'slow dating.' These in-person events allow you to meet a range of single partners in one evening and strike up an interesting conversation in a matter of minutes.

If you love seeing the world then you likely won't want to give them up if a future partner isn't interest in travelling. Instead, maximise your chances of falling for someone likeminded by trying solo travelling. A quick online search will throw up multiple singles-only travel companies - and a number are aimed at older travellers.

We all get stuck in ruts and find it hard to summon the energy to reenter society. But pushing yourself to join that pottery class you've been debating or finally take your neighbour up on that offer of dinner could lead to something really special. Why not spend the next 12 months saying yes more and see where it takes you.

Read more about Miranda Hart and relationships:

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