A strong marriage is not just about longevity, but about quality. Some tips for maintaining lasting love and retirement relationships include constant communication, regular date nights, and keeping the romance alive for yourself and your partner.
Have you ever looked at inspiring couples in your life and wondered how they kept their marriage alive? The longer the marriage, the more chances for it to unravel.How do couples create ironclad relationships that maintain their sheen into retirement?
In this guide, we will unpack what constitutes a strong marriage and how seniors in Peoria, AZ, can utilize these tips to develop a better relationship with their respective partners.
A strong marriage has many definitions, which can vary based on your goals and values. However, ideally, your marriage is strong if both parties are happy and you view the relationship as healthy. Longevity can also play a factor, but it is not always the deciding one.
You may notice that couples in healthy marriages do not argue as much and have established processes for tackling problems. Strong marriages have stood the test of time, and if your matrimonial relationship has made it to retirement, then you can spend your golden years in peace and harmony while enjoying the lifestyle that you worked hard for.
What are some of the key features of a strong marriage? Here are seven elements to consider.
The backbone of any romantic relationship is a good platonic one. After all, sometimes love isn't enough if you do not enjoy spending time with your significant other. You should want to see your partner and spend quality time with them outside of intimate activities.
Lack of communication is the downfall of many relationships. Many couples expect the opposite party to read their mind, then grow frustrated when their needs go unmet. When you feel like something needs to be said, communicate it to your partner.
Although age and other issues may limit your intimacy, it is still important to keep your romantic feelings alive within your relationship. Always respect each other's boundaries, but physical touch and other romantic gestures can make a huge difference in the quality of your marriage later in life.
Aging comes with a host of new problems that you may not be equipped to deal with. While some may be predictable, many appear out of nowhere and can throw you for a loop, such as a dementia diagnosis. Do not expect the same level of dedication from your partner if they are battling an illness or struggling with their mental health, for example.
Unfortunately, conflict does not fade as you grow in your marriage. Throughout your relationship, you should utilize techniques to reduce conflict, but it will never be eliminated. Work with a mental health professional to find coping mechanisms that work for both parties when there is a shared conflict.
Independent living represents the perfect opportunity to explore interests. Whether you have always wanted to try a new hobby or you intend to nurture an old habit, there is always something to do or create.
When you've settled into your marriage, it can feel tempting to coast. However, coasting can lead to apathy. Work together with your partner to create shared goals that will challenge you and help you maintain the spark.
Sometimes, even after decades of living with your partner or spouse, you may face issues that seem insurmountable. In this case, calling in the help of a professional is a good idea.
A family or couples therapist can help you navigate problems unique to aging and assist you and your partner in finding the root cause of negative feelings. Additionally, your therapist will help you develop coping mechanisms that one or both of you can use to reduce conflict and effectively convey your feelings to one another.
Whether you have never married, divorced, or are grieving a lost spouse, you may be surprised to find new romantic relationships when you enter independent living. It can be difficult to read signals when you are decades out of practice, and feelings of shyness can get in the way of forming genuine relationships.
If you are romantically interested in a fellow resident, ask them if they would like to grab a meal or attend an event together. You can frame it as a friend date or be more up-front about your romantic intentions.
It is crucial to respect boundaries. No means no, and if the other resident doesn't want to pursue a romantic relationship, do not push it any further. Everyone has a different timeline, and some people simply are not meant to be together.
Independent living communities such as Vista del Rio offer a plethora of options for dates that our residents can enjoy. Some fun date ideas from our monthly activity calendar include:
A strong marriage relies on many different elements, and it is possible to cultivate a happy and fulfilling partnership into your golden years. With this guide, you can feel confident that you will be able to enjoy physical and emotional intimacy throughout your retirement.
At Vista del Rio, our dedicated staff members work tirelessly to cultivate an enriching environment for our senior residents. With amenities such as chef-prepared dining and endless activities, there are plenty of opportunities in IL for couples to further connect.
Are you ready to experience the joys of independent living at Vista del Rio? Reach out to us today with any questions you may have, or visit our beautiful community in Peoria, AZ, so you can take it all in during a tour. We can't wait to meet you!