I joined Stitch about a year after I retired when I saw an article in Ask Amy about Stitch and its goal to address the epidemic of loneliness in older adults. I was also considering trying online dating and felt this was a safe way to see what it might be like. Eight years later, with a brief absence, after which I rejoined Stitch, its value has grown.I gradually participated in discussion groups which offers the opportunity to meet people from around the world. Unlike other online sites the atmosphere is welcoming and self-monitored to make the experience positive. I have never attended an in-person event due to various factors, but during the pandemic the opportunities to meet online in the virtual world exploded and I met several members which was very welcome when we were avoiding public activities. Some groups have posted online dance parties, yoga, book discussions, weekly Zoom chats, games played online and so on.Although it is not a dating site per se, you can indicate if you are looking for romantic relationships, there have been several marriages and partnerships that have developed over long distances. Members have shared their stories of how they met and progressed to connect in person. I do not know of any dating site that operates the way Stitch does.You can try Stitch before you join and I would encourage you to do so. There is a wealth of online guidance on how to navigate the site successfully.

I saw Stitch mentioned in a review of popular senior dating apps. The review noted that with Stitch you could connect to a worldwide community for friendship or romance. I checked it out with their free membership. It doesn’t have all the privileges of a paid membership, but it’s an easy way to see what’s available. I liked what I saw and paid for a membership (it’s really reasonable). Initially, the sheer number of members, activities, groups and discussions available was overwhelming, but I picked a couple of groups and a couple of activities to start. I immediately got several messages welcoming me and offering to answer any questions I had. I posted a message in each of the groups I had joined and immediately got responses from other members. The activities I chose were all online (Zoom) with lively discussions. I’ve also gotten together to chat with some of the local members. Since I’m not looking specifically for romance, I can’t comment about that. I’ve found the website is relatively well designed, and the members very welcoming, interesting and friendly. The selection of groups, discussions and activities is huge. I can easily filter to see those in my area. The “worldwide” membership is mostly UK, Australia, Canada and the US. That’s a bit of a disappointment for me. I hope the app can be offered in other countries, too, eventually. I’ve only been a member for a month or so, but I’ve already made friends I look forward to seeing online. And I’m getting ready to host my first local, in person activity.

While looking for a safe social media group and listening to advise on dating after 50, I came across an interview with Andrew from ‘Stitch’. I was immediately drawn to the concept of meeting people from all over the world, women and men for friendship. I had been widowed several years before and now Covid had struck. I joined and immediately found different groups to share my thoughts, angsts and time. After joining various groups of assorted interest and feeling safe , I am so fulfilled. The first group I joined was “Widows and Widowers”. Previously, I had felt all alone. None of my friends had lost their spouses. My friends were able to say how devastating it must be for me, but couldn’t relate on a ‘reality’ basis. My confidence expanded and quickly I joined another group “Codenames” which was organized by one of the members of the “Widow and Widowers “ group. It has become my favorite place on Friday nights and Saturday afternoons. This is through Zoom meetings and involves others from all over the world!As my time on “Stitch” had evolved, I have joined several other groups including “Optimists Unite”, “Stoicism”, “Artists gallery”, “Dating after 50” and so many more! The people I have been acquainted with are amazing. We are from all different backgrounds and all contribute to each other’s knowledge. This had relieved me of my loneliness during these very trying times. My family has noticed how I treasure these moments and hear about different acquaintances. It has really been amazing. Support, understanding, fun, laughter, cultural thoughts and social activities are a few words that come to my mind when I think of “Stitch”!

This is the way a dating, community building, friendship maker, hobby supporting, idea bounce board is supposed to work. Stitch works very hard to validate that who you think you’re communicating with is an actual person. I have been on other apps that only do dating and they do it poorly. I have only been on Stitch for a short time and I very happy. I can actually discuss issues of importance to the cream of society…those who have navigated to the top over many years of experience. So far I met several ladies one-on-one (real people), gone to several activities set up through Stitch (again real people in attendance) and had gotten knee deep into very serious topics via the discussion groups…they are comprised of people from all over the world. I actually mentioned I could help out other members attending activities until I realized most of the discussion participants lived half, or more, world away. Anyway I digress and just want to say joining Stitch is like moving into a college dorm. Plenty of whatever makes you happy…and therefore makes you healthier. TRY IT, an actual option, and I can almost guarantee (from my Vaast (sic) experience it is great.