Open Hearts and Minds
You go to the head of the line when your profile displays an open heart and an interest in personal growth. A positive, wholesome attitude reflects good self-esteem, and youthful enthusiasm suggests that age is just a number for you. Be the person you want to meet.

Your Passions
Express your passions as activities you'd like to share. If you're a skier, and mention you have a ski rental, you'll attract passionate skiers. If exercise is an important part of your life and a physically active partner is a must, suggest hiking, bicycling, tennis or a long walk in the country as possible activities. Suggest a picnic afterward. Think romantic. Be irresistible.

Whether your passion is sailing, going to concerts, taking road trips, cooking, dancing, attending sporting events, motorcycling, playing an instrument, singing or engaging in any other activity that makes you smile when you talk about it, write about that passion in a manner reflecting how it would feel to share it with someone special. Be inclusive.

Travel
Instead of listing every place you've visited, pick a favorite and shoot an imaginary film of it with someone special. Paris is my favorite. My movie is strolling arm in arm with a sweetheart along the tree-lined Seine on a sunny spring morning, the Musee d'Orsay Impressionists, a late lunch at a sidewalk cafe and an afternoon of lovemaking. This is an ideal opportunity to script your perfect fantasy. Don't hold back. You'll make the right person smile. Sharing the details over coffee is even more fun.

Last But Not Least
No one is universally desirable, but if you present yourself thoughtfully, your odds for success increase exponentially. Your soul mate is a mouse click away. A smart, creative profile stands out. Give it the time and attention it deserves.

Ken Solin is an author, lecturer and blogger who writes on the topic of families, relationships, dating and more from the perspective of a 50-plus. He's been dating in the digital world since its inception, and he's gleaned what works and what doesn't. He chronicled 25 years working with men in Act Like a Man, his book that explains how to move men beyond their intimacy issues in relationships. He has written about relationships for the Huffington Post.

Published November 2012

Also of Interest

• 7 tips to perform better in bed
• The New American Diet: 7 day plan

Remember to go to the AARP home page for great deals and tips on keeping healthy and sharp.