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
