Theresa Nist, a former contestant on ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor,” is embracing a surprisingly active dating life at the age of 71, even as she navigates the complexities that come with it after her recent divorce from Gerry Turner.
In a recent interview, Nist shared that while she isn’t using dating apps, she still receives plenty of attention through social media. “I get approached on Instagram, but you wouldn’t believe how young some of these guys are,” she said, noting that some suitors are even younger than her own son.
Despite finding the situation amusing, Nist expressed her confusion over the persistent interest from much younger men. “They’re in their thirties, and I just can’t wrap my head around it!” she laughed.
Nist and Turner became engaged during the finale of “The Golden Bachelor” and got married in January 2024. However, their union was short-lived, as the couple announced their divorce just three months later during an interview on “Good Morning America.”
The split followed Turner’s diagnosis of a slow-growing bone marrow cancer, which he revealed shortly before their separation. Nist clarified that his health condition wasn’t the reason for their breakup, explaining that distance played a role, but there were other factors involved as well.
Since her divorce, Nist has chosen to decline date offers. “I’ve been asked out, but I said no,” she admitted. “I’m clearer about what I want now, and I don’t want to waste anyone’s time.” While she does hope to find companionship again, she acknowledges that dating can be challenging, especially at her age.
Nist is open to dating younger men, preferring those who are perhaps ten years younger than herself. She emphasized the importance of shared interests and passions, stating, “I want someone who has a passion for something, who makes me want to get out of bed in the morning.”
While she’s not sure if she wants to marry again, Nist knows how valuable companionship can be. She believes that the energy and personality of a person matter more than their age, although cultural differences can make communication tough when there’s a significant age gap.
In a world that often overlooks the dating life of older individuals, Nist’s journey highlights both the challenges and the possibilities that come with finding love later in life.
