Over40CONNECT:
Ottawa’s dating scene for Gen X and Boomers is, well, booming, thanks to Sue McGarvie. The high-profile dating, sex and relationship expert is the driving force behind Over40CONNECT, a community of over 12,000 members (and growing) that blends online connections and in-person events to promote meaningful relationships. No swiping right required.
Calling Over40CONNECT “a hybrid dating model born out of the pandemic-induced loneliness crisis,” Sue describes this post-COVID approach to mixing and mingling as “offline meets online with some pixie dust from both.”
Back in 2020, when the pandemic and ensuing physical distancing measures upended social life in Ottawa, Sue noticed the negative impact on people in the dating groups she had established. In her words, folks in the “Gen X and Boomer group hadn’t grown up with online technology and were uncomfortable with the scammers and misrepresentations they saw online. They wanted to meet the way they had in their youth.”
With that in mind, when pandemic gathering restrictions were lifted, she created this new community that allows people to meet in person, at events, and then use technology to follow up and continue forging connections. The response has been huge. “Our Over40CONNECT group is blowing up. It’s far bigger than anyone suspected.”
Rediscovering the joy of dating
Over40CONNECT isn’t just a dating platform. “It’s a social movement,” Sue says. “We’re creating a space where those over 40 can meet authentically, have fun, and rediscover the joy of dating. Forget the soul-crushing apps or fake profiles. This is a revolution that has started in the suburbs of Ottawa and is changing the way people connect.”
Regular events provide members with opportunities to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. Designed to be more than just meet-ups, they’re social experiences where friendships blossom and romances ignite
Beyond the real-life gatherings, Over40CONNECT offers a course on dating etiquette, including lessons on flirting and meeting in real life. The organization also has rules with respect to conducting yourself with kindness, being within three hours of the Nation’s Capital and being verifiably over 40.
“Dating as a Gen X or Boomer can be challenging,” Sue admits. “Over40CONNECT has community discussions and ways to meet that has led to over 60 love matches in the last 18 months. It’s changing lives.”
Monthly subscriptions are $19. Perks encompass weekly calls to answer dating questions, monthly Zoom gatherings that will introduce you to potential partners, monthly members-only in-person mixers, online training and other resources for dating over age 40. There’s also a promise to keep your information private. Over40CONNECT.com
Compiled by Fifty-Five Plus staff
