The store IKEA has banned old people from dating in one of its shops in China. It decided to stop what it called 'illegal date clubs'. Hundreds of lonely elderly people went to IKEA's cafeteria in search of love. Many of them did not buy anything. Managers said the old people sat down for too long, spoke loudly, spat on the floor and had arguments. They said: "From today, the restaurant will only be for people who purchase their food first."
The elderly people are angry. They say they can't go to McDonald's because they feel like aliens there. They say they are, "surrounded by youngsters". A regular visitor said: "Few people know just how lonely old people are….I feel quite good when I come here. I talk with friends, but some elderly do meet people who become lovers." Normal customers have little sympathy. They complain that there is nowhere to sit because of the old people.
