ABSTRACT
Prior research has focused on couples who were successful in maintaining a long-term relationship. However, there is a knowledge gap in what characterizes late-life long-term partnerships and what holds them together. Using the grounded theory, we analyzed 29 interviews with 65+ year olds (11 men, age median = 72) who were in relationships of 25+ years. We explored the present state of the relationship, looking beyond the understanding that long-term relationships, by virtue of being long, are successful. Older people saw their partnerships as indivisible, without implying that they were satisfied and, despite challenges, preferred to sustain them (a) because alternatives were perceived as poor, (b) too much would be lost, and (c) to maintain the status quo and maintain calm at every cost. Feeling indivisible implied "entrapment" to some. Others felt that peace-eliciting stability and security were enhanced by the accumulated joint experience of the partners. The findings challenge the view that later life long-term relationships are the outcome of success and point to mechanisms that keep couples together at older age. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Subject(s)
Interpersonal Relations , Aged , Humans , Male , FemaleABSTRACT
Introduction: Divorce rates among individuals aged 50 and above are on the rise. Given the greater life expectancy compared to previous generations, this is an issue that is affecting an increasing number of people. Therefore, it warrants an inquiry into the challenges these individuals encounter in their intimate relationships. Methods: This study analyzed 225 relationship-related queries posted on Czech counselling websites to identify the strains and stressor patterns that older adults face in their relationships. The queries were limited to those that concerned themes and problems related to partnerships, were posted by one of the partners aged 60 or over, and were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Four main relationship issues were identified: infidelity and jealousy; relationship estrangement and cooling; undesirable changes in personality; and illness and somatic issues. Additionally, three recurring themes were identified that made the problems more demanding and that were specific to older age: lack of norms for relationships in that age group, absence of resources to tackle the issues, and personal calculation for Time Spent and Time Remaining. Discussion: The research found that the types of problems encountered by older adults were similar to those experienced by younger individuals. However, the way these problems were perceived and processed was influenced by specific aspects of aging, such as societal expectations, available coping resources, and the perception of time. The findings also highlighted the challenges faced by older adults in terms of relationship norms, sexual functioning, and personality changes.
