The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (UWL) is set to host its second Senior Speed Dating event on Tuesday, April 30, 2019, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Room 3110 of the UWL Student Union, located at 521 East Ave. N. This event, designed for adults aged 60 and older, aims to provide a fun and structured environment for seniors to meet new friends or potential companions.
Organized by UWL Associate Professor of Sociology Dawn Norris and her Sociology of Generations & Age class, the event is a response to the growing need for social opportunities among older adults. “Older adults want love and companionship in their lives, but there is rarely a central place for them to gather devoted to this,” said Norris. “Social isolation is a common problem for older adults, so this event will serve as a place for them to get out and have fun, meet new friends, and possibly begin a romantic relationship.”
The format of the event involves a series of five-minute conversations between participants, allowing them to get to know a variety of people in a short amount of time. At the end of each conversation, participants will indicate on a scorecard whether they would like to pursue further contact with the individual they spoke with. If both individuals express interest, they will be provided with each other’s contact information.
The first Senior Speed Dating event, held in November 2018, was met with overwhelming enthusiasm. The event garnered national media attention, including coverage by U.S. News & World Report and the Minneapolis Star Tribune, and attracted participants from across the country. The success of the initial event led to the planning of this second gathering, with a waiting list of interested participants highlighting the demand for such social opportunities.
The Senior Speed Dating event is free to attend, but registration is required due to limited space. Interested individuals can register by contacting Professor Dawn Norris at 608-785-6771 or via email at dnorris@uwlax.edu. Light refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served during the event.
This initiative is part of UWL’s commitment to serving the community and addressing the needs of an aging population. Earlier this year, UWL was designated as an Age-Friendly University—the first university in the state to attain this designation. The Age-Friendly University initiative, led by Dublin City University, emphasizes the role of higher education in responding to the challenges and opportunities associated with an aging population.