Seniors' presence growing on online dating scene

An elderly couple sits on a bench in a park in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, Wednesday, May, 14, 2014. Seniors are increasingly turning online for their dating needs. (AP/Martin Meissner)

Online dating has changed the romantic landscape immeasurably over the past few years, but it isn't just young tech-savvy singletons getting a slice of the action.

The older generation is also testing the waters of online dating and apps, according to US-based technology advisory company iTOK.

The company found that 22 per cent of their respondents aged 55 or over have turned to the internet to find love, either by using a website or an app. And of those who haven't yet tried it out, 20 per cent said they would be willing to give it a go.

In total, four per cent of those surveyed met their significant other online, with participants listing companionship, casual relationship, and love as the top three reasons for using online dating, in that order.

The three most popular dating sites for seniors were deemed to be Match.com, eHarmony and OurTime.

"These survey results reinforce something we've known for a long time -- that seniors are using technology to improve the quality of their lives," said Seth Bailey, CEO of iTOK. "We're thrilled with the notion that older adults are exploring new ways to meet people. They are breaking down stereotypes that online dating is only for the younger generations."