The three ways on how to keep a relationship alive after retirement are to prioritize open communication and emotional check-ins, maintain individual interests alongside shared activities, and redefine intimacy and affection for this stage in life. Make sure to take care of your own individuality while nurturing your relationships.
According to Psychology Today, the rate of divorce for couples over 50 has doubled in the last 30 years. There are several reasons why, such as empty nesting or health concerns.
The important thing is this though: if you want your relationship to survive, then you have to be proactive about it. Without effort, a marriage or long-term relationship can wilt and eventually die out.
Don't know how to go about it? To help you out, here's how to keep a relationship alive after retirement for seniors in Flower Mound, TX.
Retirement can certainly affect your connection in marriage. This is because your daily routines, roles, and expectations will change.
For example, before retirement, you might've spent most of your time apart much of the day. Suddenly, you'll be together almost all the time, and this can improve your emotional closeness. However, on the other hand, it can highlight your unresolved tensions.
In addition, if you have differences in retirement timing, energy levels, or interests, then one partner may become frustrated, since one person might want to stay busy while the other wants a slower pace.
The good news is that retirement means more time for shared activities and hobbies, as well as travel and a deeper connection.
Retirement can be a huge change to you and your loved one's life. Even if it's a welcome one, it can be difficult to adjust to your new daily routine.
But having love after 60 is possible. If you follow our tips, you can have a thriving and fulfilling relationship.
After you've retired, you might experience changes in the following areas:
Whether it's conscious or not, these changes can affect the relationship. This means that it's vital to have regular emotional check-ins. When you see how each person is doing, this helps prevent misunderstandings, and that way, resentment won't build.
To make things easier, you can play mindfulness games together. This can help you be open about worries, and this can deepen trust instead of creating distance.
Good communication skills will allow both partners to feel heard and validated. You'll feel more comfortable about growing together during this transition instead of drifting apart.
Initially, it can feel amazing to have all this extra time to spend with one another. However, spending too much time together without tending to your personal needs and wants can actually strain your relationship.
It's essential that you maintain individual hobbies, friendships, and routines. All of these things can help you preserve a sense of independence and self-identity. Ideas include:
You should still intentionally plan shared activities though. To keep your relationship strong, you can do activities like walking together, traveling, or cooking.
Make sure to strike a good balance between independence and togetherness. This can help you prevent feelings of boredom or resentment.
Verywell Health says that around two-thirds of adults 65 and older are still interested in sex, but only 40% of adults between 65 and 80 are sexually active. As you can see, older adults have different sexual needs, and they can change after retirement.
It's common for intimacy to shift from purely physical expressions to those that are more emotional. For example, you can make small gestures, like:
Have open conversations regarding comfort levels and expectations. This is crucial if you want to stay aligned and avoid feelings of rejection.
When there's no intimacy in a marriage, this may be an indication of bigger changes rather than a lack of love. For example, the following can all reduce physical closeness:
You shouldn't ignore the issue though. If you don't address it, this can lead to feelings of loneliness, emotional distance, and misunderstanding. As a result, you may feel more like companions than romantic partners.
Do note that "intimacy" doesn't necessarily mean sex. There are other ways to get intimacy, such as:
The 70/30 rule in relationships makes it easier for individuals to retain their independence and individuality without neglecting their relationships. Essentially, no partner or marriage will meet 100% of someone's emotional, social, or personal needs.
The rule says that around 70% of your fulfillment should come from the relationship. The other 30% should come from:
This can be especially helpful if you're adjusting to recent life changes, such as retirement or health changes. When you have outside interests and support systems, then you'll feel less pressure in your marriage and experience greater overall satisfaction.
In senior relationships, changes in love may be subtle and gradual. Signs include:
Knowing how to keep a relationship alive after retirement is essential if you have a long-term partner and want beautiful golden years together.
While you may have settled into a routine with one another, this can be both a good and a bad thing. But if you're proactive with your relationship and genuinely care about one another, you'll do what it takes to see that your retirement years are the happiest ones possible.
To schedule a tour at our senior living community in Flower Mount, TX, contact us today. Pinewood Hills Senior Living has brand-new furniture and flooring, as well as upgraded spaces that enhance our residents' living experiences.