The Office for National Statistics (ONS) in the UK has found that the number of seniors getting married has grown significantly this century, more than any other generation, and online dating platforms are responsible.
There was a rise of almost 50% in the number of people getting married over the age of 65, between 2004 and 2014. The final total was 10,937 which has been increasing steadily since 2009.
Online dating platforms were cited as one of the reasons for the climb, with the improvement of niche services contributing to older singles getting married. Financial independence is also considered a factor.
Far fewer people are getting married young, with the average age of brides growing to over 38 and the average age of grooms surpassing 36.
According to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for the ONS explained: “The increase in older people ending and forming new relationships is likely to be because they are living longer. We also know that older people are more connected, economically and socially, than they were before.
“People aged 65 and over are more likely than ever to be working, and therefore be able to support themselves outside marriage. They’re also catching up with younger people in their use of the internet – perhaps trying out online dating?”
They also added that young people were exploring cheaper options than getting married, instead choosing to cohabit rather than hosting a costly wedding.
Two years ago, the country’s National Health Service also blamed dating apps for rising sexually transmitted disease rates among the senior population. It started a campaign to provide over-60s with free condoms as a result.
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