Finding love later in life

Finding love at any stage of life is a thrilling, and sometimes daunting, prospect. As we get older we can often find ourselves unexpectedly single, but still wanting and appreciating companionship and affection from a special someone.  

Finding love at any stage of life is a thrilling, and sometimes daunting, prospect. As we get older we can often find ourselves unexpectedly single, but still wanting and appreciating companionship and affection from a special someone.

Whether you’re separated, have been single for some time, or are alone following a bereavement, there are no barriers to finding a new, fulfilling relationship - and finding the right person to enjoy time with can happen at any stage of our lives.

There are so many ways to meet new people – for some silver surfers, the internet has opened a whole new world of dating opportunities – but we have some advice for those that are seeking more traditional methods in the local community.

Activity groups, dancing or walking groups, community projects and coffee mornings are organised in every community and can be a wonderful way to make new friends, as well as potential romantic partners. Bingo or games nights are another popular choice. Explore your community centre or library to see whether any of these activities are taking place near to home, and perhaps consider joining evening classes or choirs to explore or learn new skills while you meet people.

There are even book groups or movie review clubs, tailored to a wide range of tastes, organised in community centres, libraries and local colleges, designed to bring together people with shared interests. Age UK are also a wonderful source of suggestions and organise many activities in communities throughout the UK; contact them for even more ideas.

Getting older doesn’t mean that you have to give up on expanding your circle of friends or your interests. If you find yourself single after a long term relationship ends, or if you have lost a partner through bereavement, you may not yet be ready for a new relationship; give yourself time to heal and adjust to your new life, but try not to let yourself become isolated.

Meeting new people doesn’t have to be romantic – it can bring you support and comfort from friendships, meeting people in the same situation as your own, with support groups for bereavement or loss, offering a network of people who understand the changes you’re going through and how challenging life can be after loss.

Finding a new love later in life can only happen when you are ready for it – but when you are ready, the community you have built from exploring these ideas could lead you to the perfect partner, and to many more years of happiness, at any stage of life.