CEDAR FALLS - Speed dating is a national phenomenon that has helped singles connect in a low-pressure environment.

Wednesday night at the Cedar Falls Community Center, a group of area residents took part in a speed dating night with a twist - everyone was older than 60.

Beth Meyer of the Cedar Falls Recreation Center organized the event as a way for local seniors to connect with other seniors of similar interests. And while speed dating normally pairs members of the opposite sex, Wednesday's event was an opportunity for seniors to meet one another, regardless of sex.

"We did not necessarily do this for the experience of dating, male versus female," said Meyer. "We did this for the camaraderie, too."

Meyer got the inspiration from the Internet, where she noticed that senior speed dating was popular in areas with large senior population bases, such as Florida.

"So I figured, why not try it here?" said Meyer.

The initial offering of the senior speed dating event at the center was more of an experiment than anything else. However, the feedback was largely positive on Wednesday, so Meyer hopes to hold the event regularly in the future.

Participant Melvin Gardner, one of just two men who attended the event, said he would return for another session.

Like many of the participants, Gardner is a widower. He lost his wife, Alice, nearly two years ago and like many singles his age, it has been difficult for him to meet people with whom to spend time.

"I thought this would be a good way to get out and meet people," said Gardner.

The only other way that Gardner meets people is through sports. In the summer he hits the golf links, and he bowls on Mondays and Fridays. But meeting someone to spend time with in other endeavors has proved to be difficult for seniors like Gardner.

"I'm really not used to this myself," said Gardner. "I haven't been around dating, so just getting myself out to meet other people - that's what I wanted."

The format on Wednesday only loosely followed the normal pattern of speed dating. Instead of the typical one to two minutes, participants were given five minutes to get to know one another.

No one was expected to exchange names, but rather, everyone was given a number. If a senior decided they wanted to spend time with another senior outside of the event, they recorded the number and turned it in to Meyer after the event. Those whose numbers coordinated will be contacted by Meyer, who will exchange their information for them.

It is an intricate system, but it is similar to the one that has enjoyed so much success among singles of all ages around the country.

Meyer said that future installments of the event likely will not be held on Wednesdays - a night that many residents spend at church-related events. However, she thought that holding the first event on Valentine's Day, a difficult night for many widowers, would be a good idea.

Contact Drew Andersen at (319) 291-1418 or drew.andersen@wcfcourier.com.