Living independently for as long as possible is the preferred option for the majority of older people, but there are many obstacles that can get in the way unfortunately – and it’s not just down to our physical health and capabilities.
Protecting our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical needs and if we neglect it, we are less likely to enjoy good quality of life, as well as finding it harder to carry out daily activities and continue to lead independent lives as we age.
Interestingly, our living arrangements can have a big impact on our mental health, with new research suggesting that couples who live apart but together, rather than cohabiting, actually have better wellbeing than couples who live in the same house.
Reported on by the Independent, the research analysed data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study to identify variances in mental health in line with singlehood, cohabitation, marriage and living apart, together (also known as LAT). They then investigated how transitioning in and out of LAT affected the mental health of older adults.
It was found that LAT does exist among younger demographics, driven by a lack of affordability, but that for older people it was more of a long-term arrangement and, in these circumstances, they enjoy better mental health than when they’re single.
Finding a partner to go through later life with also appears to deliver slightly better mental health benefits for people over the age of 60 – and there may also be fewer mental health risks from LAT breakups than from divorce or from ending cohabitation.
Senior dating
As you get older, it can feel a little as though romanticism has passed you by, the sole preserve of younger generations – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
There will always be the need for closeness and companionship, no matter how old we are, and it’s never too late to start a new relationship.
Meeting new people can be more difficult, however, so you might want to consider signing up to a dating app as a good first step. Alternatively, see what community groups there are in your local area that you could join, perhaps learn a few new skills in group activities where you’re more able to socialise or perhaps try your hand at volunteering.
It can also be helpful to talk to friends and family or your private nurse about what you’d like, particularly if you’re feeling lonely at the moment. Loneliness and isolation are some of the biggest issues facing older people, but you don’t have to sit back and accept your fate in this regard.
Just remember not to put too much pressure on yourself, as you’re not going to meet someone overnight. Staying active and engaged in your local community will help you stay positive and keep you on the right track, as well as benefiting you in other areas of your life, as well.
