Seniors becoming computer cupids

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CINCINNATI, July 10 (UPI) -- Operators of online dating services say more U.S. seniors are logging on as a way to meet people beyond the tried-and-true arenas of church and volunteer work.

"Online dating has really opened up the market for them," Joe Tracy, publisher of Online Dating magazine, told The Cincinnati Enquirer.

Tracy said the Internet works for seniors for the same reason it appeals to younger folks looking for romance: it's easy and it covers a lot of ground. "Some of the preferred ways for seniors in the past to meet people was church or volunteering," he said.

The Enquirer said the senior market, which is defined as people 55 years and older, is the fastest-growing group in the online dating scene. According to Tracy's magazine, they make up nearly 17 percent of all online dating subscribers.

The newspaper said among the satisfied customers are two Cincinnati-area residents -- Lynn Eckert, 69, and Richard Stelter, 71 -- who met online and got married last month.

"I met some very nice people," Eckert said. "Yes, you have to be careful, but there are people out there who are genuine. They're widowed or divorced or just looking for someone to go out with."

Eckert said she let her eventual new husband slide on one bit of fudging. Stelter admitted to her he had posted a profile he had cut and pasted from someone else because he lacked confidence in his writing skills.