Romance and relationships change as we journey through the years. The heady feelings of young love bloom into stable, comforting relationships until we eventually find ourselves in the throes of elderly romance. Whether it’s long-term love or a fresh fling, navigating senior romance needs special care. We might not be as energetic as we used to be but love in the later years can be just as fun and fulfilling.
Let’s explore some of the finer details of navigating elderly romance in senior living and beyond. We’ve put together an ABC guide you can use to keep the romance blossoming in the years to come.
Accepting Change in Senior Relationships
Getting older is a fact of life, but it doesn’t mean it’s smooth sailing! Learning to accept change is key to keeping senior romance in ship shape. Your relationship in retirement properties might look and feel a little different. We might not be as physically active as we used to be, or we might have fewer social engagements to occupy our time together. Let life’s later loves flow the way nature intended.
In saying that, we shouldn’t get complacent. Dating is important—maybe more so—as we & our relationships age. Romantic time might no longer be squash court dates or 3-day hikes; they might instead be games of cards or gentle walks on the beach. Remember, it’s the time that’s important, so relish it.
Acknowledging change and growth is exciting. We should try not to hang relationships on what used to be; get excited about what it can be instead.
Begin New Adventures
Finding new things to do with your romantic partner is a great way to get to know one another. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been together 40 days or 40 years; there’s always something to learn.
Dance classes are a great way to connect physically and emotionally. Getting in the groove can work wonders for your mental health and give couples quality time in a social and casual environment.
Physical activities might be harder than they used to be, so if that’s the case, why not try a relaxing weekend getaway? Try a new restaurant or, if you’re feeling adventurous, a cooking class!
Communication and Connection
Creating or maintaining connections in senior romance plays a huge part in successful relationships, regardless of age. Communication channels can change throughout life, but it’s important to have clear and honest ways to talk about feelings.
A great way to invigorate connection is with love languages. It may seem like a new age concept, but they’re very much helpful in elderly relationships too! Love languages are personal, they speak to how one gives and receives love. Their dialects are heard as five separate themes:
- Physical touch
- Acts of service (giving)
- Receiving gifts
- Quality time
- Words of affirmation (compliments, encouragement etc.)
Getting to know your love language as well as understanding your partner’s can be a helpful tool in communication. It can help in understanding how our partners tick, and what we can do in our relationships to keep each other feeling loved.
Communication creates connection, so be open and free of judgement. Talk about dreams, desires, needs, and wants; it helps to be on the same page when navigating senior living.
Desire in Elderly Romance
Dreams aren’t just for the young. Use senior romance to live out dreams together or create new aspirations to carve deeper, more meaningful experiences into the time you share.
A new relationship can be a great place to reignite dreams of new hobbies and skills. Don’t let it be said that old dogs can’t learn new tricks! Sharing dreams and desires with a special someone helps keep us engaged with each other and the world. Plus, doing something together eases the scare factor.
Desire isn’t just about dreams. Dealing with physical desire is just as important when it comes to elderly romance. Intimate life might look or feel a little different, but it’s still an important part of relationships in later life. Physical touch can play a big part in maintaining a connection with our significant other. We should talk to our partners about what we’re comfortable with and what makes us feel good. It might be as simple as holding hands or couch cuddles, but physical closeness with a partner can quell many desires.
Welcome senior romance, a new phase
It’s important to keep up relationships as we get older, and senior romance can keep life fun, fresh, and exciting. Don’t leave lovers and love behind, take them with you into a new phase of life. Communicate, dream, change and grow, it’s what life is all about!
Fairview Village is one of the best places for senior living in Albany, and retirement properties are great places to keep the old flame burning or foster new connections. Socialise, take up new hobbies or take some time alone in your own special space with all the support you need. Enquire about our properties and facilities today!
