Many Boomers (those born between 1946-1964,) are back in the dating pool after a long hiatus, and the world as they knew it has changed. Welcome to a world of technology hook-ups, STDs and 30-year-old "kids" who have returned to the nest. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that nearly 30 per cent of Boomers are single thanks to divorce or death, and many are actively looking for love.

The difference on the second (or third) go-round? According to Debbie Mandel, author of Turn on Your Inner Light, "Boomers come with children or grandchildren, and are looking for a traveling companion, someone to pursue a healthy lifestyle with and to have fun -- they are not looking for financial security or to have children like their younger counterparts."

For most Boomers the idea of hanging around a singles bar, gripping a light beer or a glass of house chardonnay and trying to make a love connection holds no appeal.

"Boomers don't want to pick someone up at a bar, they want to know what they're getting into. Online dating affords intimate online chatting, followed by phone calls, then a date. So, they get to know each other beforehand. In a way, it's playing it more safe with less chances of feeling sorry," says Dr. Frances Praver, clinical psychologist and author of Daring Wives: Insight into Women's Desires for Extramarital Affairs.

Susan Silver, who writes The Search For Mr. Adequate on newyorksocialdiary.com says, "We live in interesting times. Everything is out there in that great smorgsboard of life. Plus, you barely have to lift a finger to get it, because there is a service to do it for you." So, it's no surprise that Boomers are the fastest-growing segment of online daters according to Comscore.com, a market research provider tracking and measuring consumer habits on the Internet.

According to Dr. Praver, "Boomers want real relationships, with honest, real profiles, and photos. Influenced by reality TV and by the urgency of aging, they have no time to just fool around and be fooled with. They know themselves better at this point, so that relationships are to compliment the self and not to define the self. Intimate connections are more meaningful. So, shared life experiences can be points of connection."

The challenge many Boomers face is a fear of getting back in the game after a few decades on the sidelines. So whether you're new to the dating game entirely or just looking for a refresher, below, you'll find advice on how to make online dating work for you.

Boomer Dating Tips:

O Pretty Woman
Online daters with the best luck are those who are honest on their profiles. That means posting a recent, accurate photo, not a 12-year-old picture of you with more or less hair, fewer laugh lines and 20 fewer pounds. There's nothing that puts a damper on a date like the bait and switch. Don't worry; you look better than you think.

Bad, Bad, Leroy Brown
It's important to remember that while you may feel a real connection with someone you meet online, that person is still a stranger. Be sure to keep your personal information private (such as your home address and phone number). You wouldn't leave your tax return in the middle of the parking lot at the Bowl-a-rama, so be careful to protect yourself when you're dating online as well.

I'll Be There
Make sure that when you meet your date in the real world for the first few times (at least) that you drive yourself to and from your meeting place, carry a cell phone with you, tell a friend exactly where you're going, with whom, and when you'll be home, and agree you'll call your pal the minute you get home. If you're a woman, make sure the meeting place is on your turf -- in a restaurant that you know, in a neighborhood where you're comfortable. If you ever feel uncomfortable, cut the date short and leave. Don't let your online date pick you up at home until you know each other in person a lot better.

Hey, You, Get Off Of My Cloud
Remember, while your life experiences can help you to form a real connection, your date is not your therapist. Keep it light and positive. No droning on about horrifying exes or ungrateful kids.

Slow Down, You Move Too Fast
Dating is a pastime that should be enjoyed and savored. Practice your flirting skills, have fun, and don't worry about where the relationship is going. Whether you end up with a new friend, or a new love, concentrate on the journey, not the destination.

Satisfaction
It's a fact of life, kids. Sexually transmitted diseases are a reality of modern dating. So even though getting pregnant is probably not a big concern, picking up an STD should be. Wear a condom. Or make your partner wear one.

Working My Way Back to You, Babe
Lots of Boomers end up connecting with lost loves online. While it's great to have a blast from the past, and those relationships can sometimes result in romance, it's important to remember that you can't just pick up where you left off in 1963. You've done a lot of living since then, so try and keep your expectations in check.

... Love the One You're With
Last, remember online dating (and dating in general) should be fun. Don't think of it as a tedious interview process for your next spouse. Think of dating as a way to connect with other people, have a little fun, and maybe learn something new.