Single senior citizens meet potential mates to start live-in relationships

Ahmedabad, Nov. 21 (ANI): Elderly single men and women in Gujarat recently participated in a unique matchmaking event that promotes live-in relationships.

The event was organised in Ahmedabad city on Sunday by a local non-governmental organisation.

Around 300 men and women aged between 50 to 80 years old, who were either separated from or lost their partners, turned up in search of a second chance.

The participants were mainly from Gujarat, while some were New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.

Bharti Raval, the organiser of the event, said the aim for the participants should be to find and build a healthy relationship.

"In this unique event, we have given an opportunity to all our senior brothers and sisters to find a suitable match for themselves. We asked them to stay with each other for 15 days or even a month to see if they could understand each other. If you find you suit your partner, then you can get married," said Raval.

"Till the time you want to stay with each other, you can be with each other," he added.

For many of the participants, a desire for companionship was the main reason behind taking part in the event.

"I am looking for a partner to have a safe future with as I don't want to be alone in the coming years. If the partner is good, we can spend the remainder of our lives peacefully, which is the most important thing. I am looking for a partner of my choice. He must be educated and understanding so that there will not be any problems in the future," said Rekha Jamnadas, a participant from Mumbai.

"I like being in a live-in relationship because it has plus points. If we do not get along, we can move on and it won't trouble us in the future," she added.

Meanwhile, D N Gupta, a participant from Uttar Pradesh's Agra city, said that he had felt lonely ever since his children had settled down with families of their own.

"I feel lonely now that all my sons are married. They are busy with their own families so I think one should have a companion to pass the time together," said Gupta. (ANI)