Love is in the air in February as we celebrate St. Valentine’s Day mid month. As we age, we can lose hope or even interest in finding new romantic relationships but we’re here to say it’s never too late.
Whether you're 35 or 75, it's not too late to find love, romance or even simply companionship.
Take some inspiration from Margaret who met the love of her life when she was 84 years young. A widow for nine years, she spotted Lloyd, a retired veterinarian, standing alone at a bridge club. She asked if he would like to play, and they’ve become inseparable since.
“He’s a younger man,” she said smiling.
“How young?” Friends asked
“Oh...,” she said. “I think he’s 80.”
They’re still devoted to each other today as Margaret moves into her 90s!
More seniors are remarrying or living together later in life than ever before. This could be due to our increasing life expectancy. Data suggests if a man reaches the age of 65 today, he can expect to live until about 84. A woman who turns 65 today will live, on average, until almost 87.
Increasingly, older adults don’t want to spend their last decades alone. In 2014 research noted that remarriage among divorced or widowed adults ages 55 and over is on-the-rise. In 2013, about 67% of previously married adults aged between 55 - 64 had remarried, up from the 55% in 1960. And about 50% of adults ages 65 and older remarried, up from only 34% in 1960.
You are not alone
In 2005 Joan Didion wrote the wildly successful and award winning memoir about the death of her husband, The Year of Magical Thinking. Some time ago there was an interview with Joan who was in her 70’s at the time.
The interview went like this:
The interviewer asked: “Do you want to marry again?”
Joan answered: “Oh, no, not marry, but I would love to fall in love again!”
It makes you think doesn’t it?
Did you know that seniors are the fastest growing segment in online dating? Apparently, when it comes to the desire to fall in love Joan is not alone.
It seems age really is just a number when it comes to falling in love, finding companionship or even just to making new friends.
There is still hope
Many people today are single in their sixties. This could be the result of a divorce, death of a loved one or because they simply haven’t found the right person —yet.
Many seniors do want a love in their life, a partner they can share their days with. The good news, there are many seniors who find new and often unexpected romantic spark later in life —sometimes in their 70s, 80s or even in their 90s!
Many people in our lives will say love is not just for the young, and they are right! We all deserve to love and to be loved.
It is never too late to find love. In fact, 7 our of 10 people over the age of 75 think that you are never too old for love!
Where do you find new love?
1. The internet
According to a 2015 study, 29% of single older adults looking for a partner said they used a mobile dating app or an online dating site to enter a long-term relationship.
2. Senior Clubs at Local Community Centres
Community centres are a fun way to meet others with similar interests in your community. Senior programs at local community centres host fun celebrations and outings in your neighbourhood and is fantastic place to gather, meet new friends and make social connections.
3. Local Stores & Shops
Do you like to meet people “the old fashioned way”?
This is understandable!
Your neighbourhood grocery stores, libraries, coffee shops, or venues for hobbies are all fantastic places to meet a new friend. This way can be a little more challenging to make a possible meaningful connection, but on a chance outing to the store, it does make for a romantic story.
4. Senior Living Communities
Many seniors find companionship and love in senior living communities; either assisted living or independent living, being in close proximity and sharing activities, meals and lives together in these close-knit communities contribute to overall quality of life.
Gerontologists agree that romance, love and social activity are important parts of the ageing process. They have real benefits for health and quality of life in later years.
There is a longing everyone has for a companion, someone to share stories with. No matter how old we get, feeling loved is something to always cherish.
The desire for intimate love never dies, and it is important to socialize in online groups and in group outings. The best way to meet people is to introduce yourself. And to remember it’s never too late.
