Finding love after 65

Finding love after 65

Much of the discussion around elderly related issues is rightly focused on independence and living life to the full.

Whether its healthcare, mobility products or travel & leisure there is vibrant discussion on how the older demographic can enjoy their retirement years to the full.

There is, however, one area that doesn’t get as much attention, despite it being central to everyone’s happiness, and that is relationships.

Age is no barrier to romance. The over 65s have as much right as younger people to a fulfilling and happy relationship.

Stannah recently commissioned some research in this area in order to better understand the attitude of Britain’s over 65s.

The annual Silver Census, which questions 1000 over 65s via a nationwide YouGov survey, found that 46% thought age was no limit to finding new love – an impressively high figure given the number already in established relationships.

Indeed, excluding respondents who already have a partner, 25% said they had “found love” in their later years.

More interestingly, 45% of over 65s think it is possible to find love using an online dating website or app and 15% have actually used one, such as Match.com or eHarmony etc.

Patrick Stannah, managing director of Stannah Stairlifts, thinks this study shows Britain’s over 65s are increasingly living life to the full in a way their parents might not have had the opportunity to do so.

He said: “It is extremely encouraging to see that Britain’s over 65s continue to enjoy full and active romantic relationships.

“They are positive about the dating opportunities open to them and firm believers that age is no barrier to finding love.

“It is unlikely that previous generations of over 65s had this freedom and is extremely heartening to see.”