How Old Do You Have to Be for The Golden Bachelor?

If you’re wondering how old you have to be to appear on The Golden Bachelor, the answer is generally 60 or older.

The ABC dating series was created as a senior-focused version of The Bachelor, giving older adults the opportunity to find love later in life. The contestants are typically in their 60s and 70s, although the cast can include someone slightly younger depending on the season.

For the current season, ABC’s cast includes women ranging from 58 to 77 years old, showing that the age range isn’t always limited strictly to people who are already 60. (ABC)

What Is the Minimum Age for The Golden Bachelor?

The commonly cited minimum age for The Golden Bachelor is 60 years old.

However, ABC’s current cast demonstrates that there can be exceptions. Maia, one of the women competing on the current season, is listed by ABC as 58 years old, while Cindy is 60 and Andra is 77. (ABC)

That means someone interested in applying shouldn’t necessarily assume that being a few years under 60 automatically makes them ineligible.

Casting requirements can change from season to season, so prospective contestants should always check the official casting information when applications open.

How Old Are the Contestants on The Golden Bachelor?

The contestants are generally much older than those featured on the original Bachelor franchise.

ABC’s current cast includes:

Alexandra — 67 Amy — 63 Andra — 77 Carla — 62 Carol — 63 Cheryl — 66 Cindy — 60 Debbie — 65 Diane — 71 Gerri — 64 Lily — 72 Lisa — 66 Maia — 58

The current Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens, is 66 years old. ABC describes him as a former NFL player who became a lawyer and is looking for love later in life. (ABC)

Is There an Age Limit for The Golden Bachelor?

There does not appear to be a publicly stated maximum age.

The show is designed around older adults looking for a meaningful relationship, so contestants can be well into their 70s.

For example, ABC’s current cast includes Andra at 77 and Lily at 72. (ABC)

Rather than focusing on an upper age limit, casting appears to focus on whether applicants are eligible, available and genuinely interested in finding love.

Can Someone Under 60 Be on The Golden Bachelor?

Possibly.

Although 60 is generally considered the target minimum age, the current cast proves that the show can include someone younger.

Maia is listed by ABC as 58 years old, making her an example of a contestant who falls below the commonly associated 60-year threshold. (ABC)

Because casting requirements can change, anyone interested in applying should review the requirements for the specific season they want to join.

Why Is The Golden Bachelor for Older Contestants?

The Golden Bachelor was created to give older adults their own opportunity to experience the type of televised dating journey that has traditionally centered on younger contestants.

Instead of focusing on people in their 20s and 30s, the series features people who have already lived full lives, built careers, raised families and experienced relationships.

Many contestants are parents and grandparents, while others are widowed, divorced or have simply spent years living independently.

The result is a dating show that focuses heavily on companionship, family, second chances and finding love later in life.

How Old Is the Golden Bachelor?

For the current season, Mel Owens is 66 years old.

ABC identifies Owens as the second Golden Bachelor. He previously played professional football after being selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1981 NFL Draft before becoming a lawyer. He has two sons and is now looking for a new relationship. (ABC)

How Old Was the First Golden Bachelor?

The first Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner, was 72 years old when he appeared on the show.

His season helped establish the concept and demonstrated that Bachelor Nation audiences were interested in seeing older adults pursue romance.

The success of the first season eventually led to The Golden Bachelorette, which expanded the concept by giving an older woman her own season.

Can You Apply for The Golden Bachelor?

Yes. ABC periodically opens casting for its shows, including the Bachelor franchise.

If you’re interested in becoming a contestant, the best approach is to check ABC’s official casting page when applications are open and review the requirements for the specific season. (ABC)

Final Answer

So, how old do you have to be for The Golden Bachelor?

The general answer is 60 years old or older, but the current cast shows that ABC can make exceptions. One current contestant is 58, while others are in their 60s and 70s.

There also doesn’t appear to be a strict upper age limit, making The Golden Bachelor an opportunity for older adults who are ready to find love at any stage of life.

As the franchise continues, the exact casting requirements may change, so applicants should always check ABC’s latest casting information before applying.