The Benefits of Senior Relationships
By Ewa Frydel, Owner
Our views on relationships change when we're older, like our priorities and needs. When our seniors seek love and new relationships later in life, they may find it rewarding and fulfilling. In new relationships, be it romantic or friendship, our aging loved one can live a quality life.
As social beings, it is essential to maintain and develop relationships. Without socializing, we become isolated, which increases the risk of cognitive decline, depression, and other health issues such as physical, emotional, or mental. If your senior parent is seeking out new companionship, there are benefits you should know about, as well as challenges. Let’s explore some of these.
The Benefits of Senior Relationships
Drama-free zone.
Seniors have many years of experience with relationships of all kinds. This knowledge helps give them a more profound sense of self and helps them handle any drama or hardships that may come up in a relationship. In fact, having this wealth of wisdom benefits their relationships because it builds a more meaningful and stronger bond with the other person. Your elderly family member will be able to manage their emotions with the ups and downs that naturally come with friendships and romantic relationships because they have had their fair share of experiences throughout their life. Each of these experiences has taught them valuable lessons that they carry on with.
The loving touch.
What’s even more beneficial for your senior seeking out new relationships is that they will receive more physical touch, emotional support, and companionship. We discuss this quite a bit because companionship, touch, and being emotionally uplifted greatly support a better quality of life for your senior loved one.
A happier life.
These gifts from new love or new friendships make for a healthier heart, sharper mind, greater comfort, and a positive outlook on life, reducing depression and cognitive decline. As we have learned, depression and cognitive decline are more profound in our aging family members. Reduce isolation and you can increase a more meaningful life.
Challenges of New Senior Relationships
These challenges should not deter you or your senior from finding new relationships. The benefits greatly outweigh the cons. However, learning what challenges may arise can be beneficial, as well.
Health issues in the way.
One of the struggles is if your senior or your senior’s new companion have mobility or critical health issues. Mobility challenges can keep your loved one from doing many things that they once did with partners or friends, like dancing, long walks on the beach, or dining outside of the home. Critical health issues can keep your senior from seeing their new relationship often. Be open and honest with your aging parent and find activities that suit them and their new companion well.
It is still possible to enjoy a happy life with limitations. For instance, if one or both of the aging people in the relationship cannot leave the home with comfort, try setting up an inviting and warming ambiance outdoors with lights strung up and music. Cook them a delicious meal and allow them to enjoy a dinner with the sunset in the comfort of their home.
Loss of a partner.
If your senior is in a new romantic relationship and has recently suffered the loss of a spouse, this could cause them to feel more reserved and uneasy. They can even feel guilty. Your aging loved one may find that it’s useless to start a new love and refrain from the benefits altogether, even if they want one. Try to encourage them to start with a friendship first. You can also talk to your elderly parent and discuss if new love will make them happier; if it’s what they really want.
Listen to them and see if there is anything you can do to encourage their happiness. Remind them they can still love their deceased spouse and that their feelings don’t need to change. If the idea makes you uneasy, consider your parent’s independence and seek out support groups. There may be others in your shoes who can help you through this process.
Independence is key.
Remember to communicate openly and honestly. This can be a big change for you, your senior parent, and your family. While your viewpoints do matter, your senior will also benefit from keeping their independence and having the ability to make their decision around finding new relationships on their own. This doesn’t mean you can’t talk about it and come to common ground.
Be open to new experiences and find joy in seeing your senior do the same. As we age, it can be difficult to remain open to anything new. Encouraging this and making peace with it can greatly help your loved one.
For more information about the benefits of senior relationships, contact us.
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Legal Disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about elderly relationships and should not be construed as medical advice.
