When Valentine’s Day became popular in the Middle Ages, the climate was warmer than it is now. Birds mated. Flowers bloomed. And love blossomed.
According to scientists, being happily in love can literally keep people young, and it’s not surprising that people who have lived, and loved, for a long time often say it only gets better with age.
In honour of the day that celebrates love and friendship, we asked two couples who found joy and new companionship later in life to share their stories. You’ll also find some great tips to help you find companionship in retirement, both romantic and platonic.
Love Has No Age Limit
Older people can bring the wisdom of experience and a deep sense of appreciation to new relationships. Here are two stories of senior romances that have recently grown between All Senior Care residents:
1. Romance Blossoms for Seniors During the Pandemic
They met three years ago at a cooking class given at a local Provigo. Carmen’s sister Line arranged for the widow and widower to be together in one room. Cupid did the rest.
Was it love at first sight?
“It must be called that,” Carmen, 84, says, smiling.
The affection between the two octogenarian lovebirds, however, was put to the test. Living in separate buildings at La Gappe residence in Gatineau, the pandemic restrictions meant that they could no longer visit each other. So, Robert, 89, invited Carmen to live with him.
“I wasn’t sure,” his sweetheart admits to Le Droit. “Living together was a big step to take. But I agreed and everything went really well. It’s funny to say, but the pandemic and the lockdown have brought us closer together. And today, we are good, we are still healthy, and we make a beautiful couple of little old people, “ she adds in a burst of laughter.
Ms. Dubrûle and Mr. Villeneuve would have liked to get married earlier. But, on August 26th, 2021, their wedding dreams came true when they were married in a simple ceremony.
You can read their full story here.
2. Sparks Fly and Love Is in The Air for Seniors in Assisted Living
For some in assisted living residences, the lockdown has made finding a romantic companion as simple as walking down the hall or taking the elevator.
“Soon after moving into St. Albert, I met Fred on the elevator, and we struck up a conversation. Then I kept seeing him at many of the activities the community offers,” explains Vicki, 76. “We would chat afterwards and started hanging out on our own, and our friendship just grew from there into love!”
Little did Vicki know at the time, Fred’s newfound interest in Bingo had little to do with the prizes. He had started to attend more recreation programs in the hopes of seeing her.
Fred made sure to sit with her and her best friend Gertie at Friday Happy Hour. They always had something to chat about. His wife had been an artist and he was proud to show off her art; Vicki was an artist herself and had worked for an art gallery.
A beautiful relationship blossomed. During the recent Ted Lasso event, Vicki made Fred a Valentine card that she blushingly she sealed it with a ‘kiss’ sticker.
Picking a top for the upcoming date during the residences St. Albert Dinner Theatre outing, Vicki says,” I feel like a teenager going on a date!”
When asked how she feels about the blossoming relationship, Vicki explains that she loves the friendship that they have … and that he is handsome and charming!!
“The sweetest relationships are the ones you never expected to be in,” says Fred.
How Senior Living Communities Bring People Together
When introduced into a vibrant community of similarly aged seniors — many of whom have already raised families or had long-lasting marriages – older Canadians tend to lead more active lives.
Perhaps because, by choosing to live within a community, older adults find new opportunities for companionship, such as time relaxing at Happy Hour, or spending together exchanging ideas in book group or a painting class. And finding love again is certainly part of that landscape.
Here are 10 tips for those who are ready to mingle:
- Be open to meeting new people. Nobody wears a sign that says, ‘I’m looking for a friend,’ but there many people are looking for friends or companionship.
- Accept invitations, even if you worry about whether you’ll enjoy yourself. Just getting out increases the chances of meeting new people — and friends are sometimes found in unlikely places.
- Enrich your mind. Check out classes or learning events. Some colleges also allow older adults to audit regular classes for free.
- Residences and senior day programs are more than just Friday-night bingo. Most have a variety of classes, activities and even trips. Drop by your Health and Wellness office to ask for an activity schedule.
- Pursue your interests —tai chi, cooking classes, etc. Look for things that you’re passionate about and attend consistently so that you have time to build relationships naturally.
- Spend time with four-legged friends. They not only make fantastic companions, providing unmatched friendship, pets can even help boost a senior’s physical and mental health. Conversations with other pet lovers are guaranteed, and even people without pets will stop to say hello, giving you the perfect opener.
- Volunteer in your community. Museums, hospitals, churches, animal shelters and schools are always looking for people to help out. All Seniors Care residents even have a special incentive for resident volunteers!
- Be willing to take a risk. When you meet someone you like — a fellow bocce plyer or someone seated next to you at a lunch — take the initiative and strike up a conversation. What’s the worst that can happen?
- Listen to music. Next time there is a mixer at your residence or community centre, get out on the dance floor – it’s a great way to meet new friends and good for your health!
- Don’t forget to laugh. Laughing is good for our health. It’s also contagious. You never know who else might laugh with you.
Making Connections at Any Age
Regardless of whether you’re looking for love or simply looking for a friend or companion, it is never too late to make connections and nurture fulfilling relationships. Living in a retirement community can enhance quality of life for older adults by providing regular activities, conversation, and company for seniors, not to mention regular check-ins from caring staff.
Sometimes all it takes is a friendly interaction like those found at our assisted living in St. Albert, shared mutual interests, and a few kind gestures to bring joy to an older adult who is aging in place.
For more information on senior apartments in Brandon, Manitoba or homes for seniors in Gatineau, or to set up a tour, contact us. Find an All Seniors Care location today.
Writer – Julianna McLeod
Julianna is a health and wellness expert at All Seniors Care. Her mission is to create content that empowers seniors to form sustainable solutions for lasting health and happiness. She is an experienced writer, editor, and Recreational Therapist living in Toronto.