Older couples should reassess their relationship as they approach retirement, Relate has claimed.
In a new survey of over 50s, conducted by for the relationships advisors by Ipsos MORI, a happy relationship came second only to good health in a list of the most important factors in a relationship. In addition, 91 per cent of the respondents described a happy relationship as “very important” in retirement.
Meanwhile, three quarters of the over 50s said they would “turn to their partner in times of need”.
Ruth Sutherland, Chief Executive of Relate, said older couples should use the approach of retirement to take a fresh look at their marriage.
“This survey tells us that strong and healthy relationships are a key ingredient for a good old age…. Retiring is a good time to think about your relationship – is it ready for the changes that later life can bring? We know at Relate that people often don’t seek help until things are going badly wrong in their relationship and we’re encouraging people to invest early to get the most out of their old age.”
The advisory service has launched a new website focused on relationships in later life. It has also partnered with grandparents website Gransnet to offer an online ‘relationship checker’. This asks users to consider whether their relationship is “drifting in the doldrums of midlife or sailing off into the sunset.”
It notes:
“Midlife can be wearing on romance – but relationships can also stay fit.”
Gransnet editor Geraldine Bedell said: “We’re delighted to partner with Relate on this important campaign….All sorts of things can knock relationships off course, but with a little TLC, relationships can also spiral upwards again surprisingly quickly.”
Photo by Detective C via Flickr under a Creative Commons licence
