Lonely hearts meet in IKEA cafe - 14th February 2023

The younger generations often turn to online dating to find a partner, but in Shanghai, China, older people turn up at the café of furniture store IKEA.

Hundreds of elderly single people crowd into the Swedish superstore every Tuesday. They avoid the best-selling meatballs and eat their own packed lunches. Over tea, they chat and share snacks while searching for love.

Former coach driver, Gu Yijun, regularly travels 90 minutes via public transport in the hope of finding romance, but also because he enjoys the social aspect of IKEA's lonely hearts' café.

Gu Yijun: "So, I came to the thought that it could be better to find a partner here, but if not, it's also a way to relax and have fun. It is much better than facing the mirror alone at home, as I can only see myself in the reflection."

China has 29.7 million people over 60, a quarter of whom are single. In the past, several generations would share a home. However, nowadays a new social structure and an older population means many elderly people remain alone.

Qingqing used to care for old people, but she's decided now it's her turn to find a companion.

Qingqing: "When I reached this age, I realized I had a yearning for love as well, so you see, people change. It's not embarrassing to speak out. Not only do young people need love, but elderly people also need love."

How the IKEA café ended up being a dating hot spot is a mystery. IKEA has made several unsuccessful attempts to end the custom, but the groups have been showing up here for 10 years now.

Xu Yizhen finds the place suits their needs perfectly.

Xu Yizhen: "This is a kind of way of life. To be honest, it's in accordance with my personal standard of living. This place is not very extravagant. There are some practical difficulties for us to go to more elegant places if we want to go. This popular place suits us better."