More seniors are finding love in retirement communities

aadmin — Tue, 17 Feb 2015 16:39:17 +0000

Valentine’s Day 2015 may have come and go, but that doesn't mean the love stops on February 15. The growing number of older people across Canada and the United States means that love isn’t just for the young, and love doesn’t just look like the hit book (and movie) Fifty Shades of Grey; love can come in many different colours and shades.

Fran Greene, a New York-based ‘Flirting, Dating, and Relationship Coach’ with a focus on older people, as well as the author of ‘The Flirting Bible,’ told RetirementHomes.com that Baby Boomers and seniors can sometimes find the dating scene challenging because they likely never expected to be single and looking to mingle while in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s or even older.

“No one expects at this stage of life to be back out there looking for love. My clients feel that at their age everyone is taken and it is so awkward and uncomfortable to be out there dating again,” Greene said.

Nonetheless, while it comes at a surprise for Boomers and seniors to be looking to meet their special someone at an older age, Greene said that they may actually find it easier to be on the dating circuit in their 50s or 60s than when they were decades younger.

“Meeting new people when you are older can actually be easier because the stakes are lower. At this point in your life it does not have to focus on marriage or even living together,” Greene said.

Jamison Gosselin, vice president of marketing, communications and resident enrichment for the Holiday Retirement chain, has seen it before. Holiday Retirement has more than 300 senior living communities across the United States, and with the growth of the senior living industry across North America, there are more Baby Boomers and seniors than ever before who are looking for love in retirement homes.

“This time of year, you can’t help but be reminded of love. And while there’s something to be said for being ‘young and in love,’ the growing trend of seniors finding love when they move into senior living communities proves you are never too old to fall in love,” he said.

“In our communities, seniors are much more active than they were in the past. They enjoy socializing and participating in numerous daily activities, which fosters new friendships—some of which even turn into romance,” Gosselin told RetirementHomes.com.

Lakeview Park, a Holiday Retirement community in Fenton, Missouri, will be host to a special wedding in May, when 85 year-old Nina weds her beloved, Phil.

“I kept seeing Phil at many of the activities the community offers. We would chat afterwards and started hanging out on our own, and our friendship just grew from there into love. We are quite excited for our wedding in May,” Nina said.

And if you are looking for new love this year, the first step is simple, but it still may take some work: being social.

“Take advantage of anything and everything that could potentially lead to making a new friend or getting a date. Don't turn down social invitations that have the possibility of meeting new people,” Greene said.

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The senior guide to Valentines Day

aadmin — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 15:51:12 +0000

When you are young, Valentine's Day plans tend to be elaborate affairs that cross international borders and involve huge expressions of love - as you get older, you realise that a more homey experience can work too.

Take nothing away from the young scamps booking hotels in European cities or preparing bizarre expressions of their devotion - it is wonderful for the recipient to know how much their partner loves them, but this can be shown in different ways.

In some respects, the most elaborate Valentine's Day plans almost make you wonder whether the organiser is only doing it for their partner, it can feel like they have organised something over-the-top to impress friends and family too.

For those in the later stages of life, it may not be possible to go on a major trip with your partner - but worry not, for a Valentine's Day spent indoors can be special too. If you know your loved one well and you have time to prepare your house or assisted living apartment, then you can bring the magic of the occasion home.

Prepare - Preparation is the key here - you want the house to be clean and tidy. However, do not stop at cleaning the area that you want to celebrate in; think about what sort of extra little touches you can put in to make your partner realise that you have made the effort. Simple things like putting a bunch of flowers in a vase on the table can work, but think about what your partner might want to do on the day too - perhaps rent a film or find a fun game to play.

Eat - You will no doubt know your partner's favourite meals, so make sure that you use this information as a guide - but do not settle for something you know they like. Instead, give the meal a new twist, or serve it up in a different way. For example, if they love a good spaghetti bolognese, then find a new recipe to try out that uses more authentic Italian ingredients.

Drink - It is not necessary to drink alcohol on Valentine's Day, but if your partner has a favourite drink then make sure you have this in stock. If there is any preparation required (crushing ice, cooling bottles, etc.) then ensure that you have done this. Just like with the food, you can make the day special by finding a new twist on their favourite drink - they may like it or they may not, but it will at least surprise them with something different.

Be merry - Whatever you do, make sure you are in the right frame of mind to celebrate your love for each other. You will always have problems and issues to discuss, but just try to get into the spirit of things for this one day - you have the rest of the year to talk about things that upset you or anger you, yet only one day is devoted to celebrating the love that you feel for the man or woman you have chosen to spend your time with.

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RetirementHomes.com - love

More seniors are finding love in retirement communities

The senior guide to Valentines Day