No one lives forever but it just might seem like it, according to new figures from the government.

Soon, great-great gran or granddad will be dating and even bringing home a new partner to meet the family as the number of people over 100 years old in the UK is expected to hit the 280,000 mark by 2050.

That may seem a long way off, but seeing another 40 years is easily within the grasp of most people living now aged up to 70 years old or so.

How modern science and better diets and living conditions are benefitting longevity was revealed in figures released by the Department of Work and Pensions.

In 2010, the UK will have 12 million over 65s – rising to 16 million by 2050.

Now, there are 12,000 or so centenarians. In 10 years, this will more than double to 22,000.

As an aging population remains fitter and more active, we can expect to see more and more silver surfing and online dating.

In the Thirties, when social minded companies started looking seriously at pensions for their workers, the retirement age was set at 65 because most pension companies believed that pensioners would die before they reached 70.

In those days, the idea of a generation of older people seeking fun, friendship and romance was never considered.

Now, instead of the 18-30 Club, it’s more like the 50-80 Club as more and more older people find they have the time and money to live a fun-filled, active life.

That’s why online dating sites are so popular with those over 40 years old – they provide the means to find like-minded free spirits in a safe, screened and secure environment.

All the old sayings about someone is out there for everyone are coming true as the internet shrinks the world and brings it in to our living rooms.

The challenge now is for the older generation to take control of technology and spend the extra granted by science wisely

More frisky fifties have found fun and romance on the Internet than any other age group, according to a study.

Out of 2,000 men and women of all backgrounds and ages, the over 55’s were revealed as the age group who have met more partners at an online dating site, attended more matchmaking clubs and singles events than any other group.

The surveys, by YouGov for the Telegraph magazine Stella, also showed about six out of 10 (62%) of men and women over 55 belong to at least one online dating site like Love Generation.

Dating myths dispelled

The survey dispels a lot of Internet and dating myths – for instance:

The 45-54 and Over 55 age groups found more sexual partners on the net than younger singles looking for love – with each group bedding at least two partners in the year.

The over 55s are also more forward than any other group by setting up more than 8 dates a year from chats on the internet.

So the truth is that if you are well in to your 50’s or even retired and are finding love and romance from online dating services, then you are not alone as thousands of other mature folk seem to be switching on to romance with their computers.

More than half of men are seeking sex

Men and women in equal numbers are searching online for long-term relationships (68%), sex (56%), to socialise (39%) and companionship (44%).

About 47% of people polled agreed online dating was a great way to meet new people but about half considered many of the people they came across were ‘strange’. Unhelpfully, ‘Strange’ was not defined.

When asked about whether they lie on profiles, the same small number of men and women agreed they fibbed a little about their age, height, weight, their jobs, relationship, and parental status.

Most popular first dates for Internet friends who meet are evening drinks or a meal – and the man pays for 90% of dates.

More men have their hair done and buy a new outfit for the first date (50%) than women  (31% and 16%). Strangely, A lot of men varnish their nails as well (25%) compared with women (40%).