The latest research reveals one in six over-50s have used online dating services to find love, double the number in 2010.
Many of them are looking for love again post divorce, whilst others admit that they are seeking no-strings attached sex, according to a survey of 1,8000 people by online dating website eharmony.
The figures tally with recent ONS statistics, which revealed that for both men and women, it was the over-50 category where the rate of divorce increased the most in 2017.
On average, these couples had been together 12 years prior to separation.
The report says that it therefore comes as little surprise that many initially view post-divorce dating as a daunting prospect.
Singles aged 50-plus are likely to take their time returning to the dating scene after they separate from a spouse or partner.
When asked how long they waited to look for a new relationship, more than a fifth of over-50s took two years or more.
Psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, said: “It’s understandable that many feel overwhelmed by the prospect of returning to dating, especially if this follows a difficult life event such as divorce.
“However, once you feel emotionally ready, there really is no need to wait years to find love again.
“Our research shows a large percentage of daters age 50-plus are enjoying the benefits offered by online dating.
“Key life factors such as location, friends and family are fixed entities by the time you reach your fifties, meaning that the internet is vital for opening up your dating pool, allowing you to meet like-minded people you may have otherwise missed.
“What’s more, new data suggests that using a bespoke service such as eharmony means you’re 20 times more likely to find a compatible match than you are if you leave things to fate or chance.”
Figures showed that nearly half of those who have used online dating agreed that it makes looking for love much easier than offline.
Another key benefit cited was the high number of potentially eligible partners.
As well as the benefits online dating offers; the research also shed light on what 50-plus daters expect from a relationship.
For more than one in eight marriage was still the eventual goal, for one in five it was a long-term commitment and around one in seven simply wanted companionship.
And, nearly a fifth were happy meeting like-minded people for low-pressure dates.
Physical intimacy was also the driving factor for one in eight over-50s, who admitted they turned to online dating services as they make it easier to find a sexual partner.
Rachael Lloyd of eHarmony, added: “We have seen a significant rise in 50-plus singles looking to increase their chances of finding love.
“This so-called ‘silver rush’ illustrates that online dating is increasingly becoming a popular choice for post-divorce generations.
“And while there’s still a broad perception that the more senior end of this group is primarily seeking good old-fashioned companionship, physical intimacy is still very important to them.”