Seniors Weigh Benefits, Risks of Online Dating

Internet usage among senior citizens continues to grow at a rapid pace, and experts say more seniors are using the world wide web to meet potential companions. KSMU’s Justin Lux talked to local seniors to get their thoughts, and has this report.

[Sound: Seniors having lunch]

During lunchtime at the Southside Senior Center on Freemont, about three dozen seniors gather for a meal as they enjoy each other’s company. The scent of meatloaf and potatoes overtakes the dining center.

William Snyder, a man in his seventies, quietly sits by himself at the end of one table. He says online dating has always appealed to him because it allows you to know the specifics right off the bat. Unfortunately, he says the cost of online dating websites has prevented him from diving in.

“Social Security don’t pay too much these days. I’m looking for a lady all the time, 65 or 70, financially secure, you know? No children with her, in excellent health, and weight, no more than 10 or 15 pounds…owns her own home…it’s very hard to find someone like that,” he says.

Carol Ryan says while she has never tried an online dating service, her 72 year old sister has…and had great results.

“The one she met was in Kansas. And she’s still involved with [that] gentleman. He was a retired banker and rancher. And I don’t know that it’s headed towards marriage or anything like that, but they really enjoy each other’s company. And it’s an indication that you can, if you’re really, really careful, you can find somebody,” she said.

Dr. Carol Gosselink is from Missouri State University’s gerontology department. She says many senior citizens typically fear online dating services due to safety concerns.

“We continually inform them to be aware of frauds and scams. So they’re very leery of some things, that someone could potentially take advantage of them,” Gosselink says.

She also says some widows and widowers fear re-entering the dating pool after being married for so long and sometimes are afraid of the rejection they may face.

As social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace continue to become a dominant part of society, the Nielsen Company’s 2009 survey reports that senior citizens make up more than eight percent of those using the sites.

The survey also shows that since 2004, the number of seniors who use the internet has increased by 55%.

For KSMU News, I’m Justin Lux.