The Benefits of Marriage After 70: What Lasting Partnerships Offer Seniors

The benefits of marriage after 70 include emotional companionship and reduced loneliness, stronger emotional and practical support during health changes, improved mental and cognitive well-being, shared financial and lifestyle stability, and a renewed sense of purpose and joy in daily life. Your romantic life can be even easier if you choose to reside in a senior living community like Morada Southridge.

The AARP reports that 21% of US adults aged 50 and older live alone, meaning that a significant portion of seniors are single. It can be refreshing to lead life solely for yourself in your older years, but it can also be lonely.

For this reason, older adults in Oklahoma City, OK, turn to dating, and they find themselves in a long-term partnership that's fulfilling. And at a point, marriage may be the next step.

If you're hesitant, then you may be wondering about the benefits of marriage after 70.

What Are the Benefits of Marriage?

Senior relationships can blossom into something beautiful. While it's possible to have a long-term relationship without marriage, here are the reasons why you should go ahead with one.

Emotional Companionship and Reduced Loneliness

Having good emotional health in aging is of the utmost importance, and one of the best things regarding marriage after 70 is having a consistent emotional companion in daily life. Unfortunately, many seniors become lonelier in older age, and this can negatively impact both their emotional and physical health.

While being in an assisted living environment can definitely help, nothing beats romantic companionship. They have someone to:

• Share meals with
• Talk to at the end of the day
• Experience life's small moments together

Stronger Emotional and Practical Support During Health Changes

As we get older, health needs can become more complex and unpredictable. Aging with support is an absolute must, and being married after 70 means having a trusted partner who can provide emotional reassurance and practical support.

A spouse can help:

• Notice changes in health
• Manage medications
• Advocate for care when needed

Plus, having their support in challenging times can reduce stress, fear, and anxiety. This mutual support system can make aging feel less daunting.

Improved Mental and Cognitive Well-Being

Keeping your mind active and engaged is crucial for maintaining cognitive health. When you have a spouse, the following can provide ongoing mental stimulation that can help keep your cognitive skills sharp:

• Regular conversation
• Shared decision-making
• Participating in activities together

Having a partner can also encourage routine, structure, and social interaction, and these are all linked to better brain health and reduced risk of depression. Also, when you have a partner, you'll motivate each other to stay mentally and socially engaged.

Shared Financial and Lifestyle Stability

In most cases, finances are simpler or more fixed after 70, but marriage can still offer financial and lifestyle stability. Budgeting is easier and more predictable when you have shared living expenses, housing costs, and daily expenses.

In addition, you'll have a valuable partner in financial decision-making, as they'll help:

• Manage bills
• Plan for long-term care
• Organize estate planning

If you feel overwhelmed managing everything alone, then the structure you get with a spouse can reduce stress and uncertainty.

Renewed Sense of Purpose and Joy in Daily Life

Marriage in later life can bring a renewed sense of purpose, motivation, and excitement about the future. Your daily life will have more meaning and emotional richness since you have someone to care for, plan with, and share experiences with!

With your loved one by your side, even everyday moments can feel more enjoyable. And if you're in a senior living community, then you can experience and enjoy things like art workshops.

This renewed sense of connection can help shift focus away from losses or limitations. Instead, you'll focus on growth, companionship, and gratitude. This can be a powerful reminder that meaningful new chapters can begin at any age!

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the 2-2-2-2 Rule in Marriage?

The 2-2-2-2 rule in marriage is a simple guideline to help couples stay emotionally connected over time, and this is something that becomes even more important for couples over 70.

The rule goes like this:

• Go on a date every two weeks
• Take a weekend getaway every two months
• Go on a full vacation every two years
• Having a meaningful conversation every two days about something beyond daily routines

This structure can prevent relationships from becoming stagnant. Because it encourages intentional time together and shared experiences, it can help maintain and grow emotional intimacy.

What Are the Hard Years of Marriage?

The hard years of marriage can actually come in waves. For example, when you're younger, you may struggle with:

• Careers
• Raising children
• Finances

But as you get older, the challenges can often be related to:

• Health changes
• Caregiving roles
• Loss of independence
• Retirement adjustments
• Grief after losing friends or family members

In addition, one partner may become more dependent on the other, which can shift the emotional balance of the relationship.

The important thing is to approach later years with patience, empathy, and teamwork.

Should I Get Married at 70 Years Old?

Love in later years is certainly possible, so why not get married at 70 years old? It can be a wonderful decision, especially if it aligns with your emotional, practical, and financial goals.

With that said, make sure you consider practical matters, such as:

• Estate planning
• Inheritance for children or grandchildren
• Healthcare decisions
• Long-term care costs
• Potential impacts on pensions or Social Security benefits

Ultimately, the "right choice" will be completely up to you!

Enjoy the Benefits of Marriage After 70

As you can see, there are numerous benefits of marriage, even in your golden years. Having a reliable romantic companion is invaluable, especially during retirement, so if you're lucky enough to have a significant other, marriage may be the appropriate next step!

But keep in mind that marriage isn't the path for everyone, and that's okay. As long as you have someone you can count on, then that's what matters most.

At Morada Southridge, we offer full-service housekeeping so that our residents can live a chore-free lifestyle. Get in touch with us now if you'd like more information about senior living in Oklahoma City, OK.