Silver Surfers

Silver Surfers
The increase of pensioners using internet ‘dating’ services may raise a few smiles, but little is spoken of the harm that one does to the soul, when in the twilight of their years, people continue to search for love outside of themselves.

Lonliness, most especially in the elderly is rife, and much sympathy is extended to those who eventually find themselves alone, after a lifetime of companionship. Grief is natural, but grief can also serve as a pre-requisite to finding and searching for the true meaning of love.

In a recent UK survey by Telewest Broadband it was found that in subscribers over the age of 50, 43 per cent search for far-flung friends, 22 per cent play games such as bingo, and 7 per cent visit online dating services and chat rooms.

In a recent TV documentary, the plight of people in their seventies searching for ‘love’ on the internet was highlighted. One gentleman in his late seventies, worked out at the gym every day. He had the body of a twenty year old, which was admirable, but was currently on-line to a young woman in her early forties.

Another, a woman, was looking for ‘fun’ and companionship. She submitted herself to Botox injections each month to maintain her looks to attract younger men.

Discussion following this documentary was celebrated in favour of the elderly finding love in this way, and encouragement was given to the more able bodied to learn and have access to computers, in every environment, in order to overcome this problem of lonliness. In other words the act against ‘age discrimination’ extends to elderly people still enjoying the fruits of adoloscent behaviour, and the population should be encouraged and entitled to have access to whatever means available to achieve this.

The age discrimination act is also encouraging the break down of attitudes towards different age groups. Many people using internet dating services are also encouraging immigration based on the law that now allows ‘partners’ to gain citizenship in popular countries. This is yet another loop hole in the battle against over-population and illegal entry, all based on the most popular misconception of what Love is comprised of. This also extends to much older immigrants who wish to co-habit with an internet partner.

Whilst one can admire the reluctance to embrace cosy armchair living, it was however especially sad to see the opposite end of the spectrum, translated in these adults. They had a wealth of experience and wisdom they could have potentially offered had they developed under the law and love of their Creator. Instead it was sad to see lonliness lead them into the misconceptions of their youth.

Internet technology, is wonderful for finding out information and facts, and also maintaining contact with like minds, but the wisdom that an older generation should be imparting could never be ‘good’ when the internet is being used to combat lonliness.

The Bible speaks often of Christ being called to lonely places. It was in these lonely places that he communed with his father. Lonliness need never exist were we to stop running and rest in this place and know him. It is wonderful to live a purposeful life and to have friendship, but never to use the technology and distraction of the world to fill the empty gap that exists inside. Silver surfers need never grow old. Ideally they should stand as an example of a life lived serving God, imparting wisdom and sensibility down through the generations.

Maybe is never too late to find the true meaning of Love. Now is the time for all those older internet daters to Be Still and Know….