Over-65s heading to web for love

IN the hunt for romance later in life, it seems most older singles will soon be taking their search for a partner online.

Research claims that by 2050, four in five over-65s who are looking for love will be using internet dating.

A study, by researchers at Imperial College London, predicts up to 78 per cent of those aged 65 to 85 will use dating websites, pushing the average age of users up from 38 to 47 by 2050.

The study for dating site eHarmony, says 82 per cent of singles will be using online dating, with the figure for over-65s rising markedly from today’s 12 per cent. Researchers based their findings on decades of data on society and health.

A key factor in the rising average age of an online dater will be increased life expectancy, but familiarity with technology and having more experience with online dating than previous generations will also play a part.

The study also predicts advances in fertility technology may mean single women over 30 could increasingly choose to extend their dating lives and put off ‘settling down’. The report suggests the most challenged demographic when it comes to dating and relationships will be the youngest – 18 to 35 year-olds.

This is primarily due to economic pressures impacting on lifestyles, including the fact that nearly one in three 18 to 30year-olds will live with their parents in 2050, compared with a quarter today.

eHarmony’s Romain Bertrand said: ‘With the number of singles set to surpass married people by 2042, including an extra 33 per cent in the 35-65 age bracket, the online dating industry will need to be responsive to the unique challenges they will encounter.’