Family, Relationships and Retirement Living

In later life and especially in retirement, family and friends often become more important to us, and it is quite likely that we will have older parents to look after, as well as children who still need the occasional helping hand. We may well have grandchildren on the scene too which can be a great enjoyment, especially when you can give them back!

Our social network may also change when we retire as we lose the network that we had at work. Our social network could be very valuable in helping us to make the most of retirement. We may also move home where our way of living will also change...  Or we may want to explore opportunities to start dating…

However, the speed of change – technological, financial and social – has left many older adults uncertain and confused about their futures. These are the generation now in their 50s and 60s, who are sure of only one thing: they are not living the lives their parents did. No longer will there be retirement at 60 and a gentle slide into a peripheral life sustained by a defined benefit pension. Not only is such a progression unlikely, it is also undesired. Read more...

Relationships

Our personal relationships also undergo change when we retire and can get better and be more exciting than before or they could be a bit more challenging! Read on...

Dating

There is no doubt that retirement can be more difficult if we are on our own, with no partner to share things with. If we are going to meet people and form new friendships, it's often easier if there are two of us, to get moral support from one another. Find out more…

Elderly Parents and Relations

For general advice and information take a look at our Guide to Looking after Elderly Parents & Relatives.

Grandchildren

Grandchildren can be wonderful and add another dimension to our lives. Take a look at our Guide to Grandparenting for general advice as well as some ideas on how to entertain them! And Grannies with Attitude is great for a light-hearted look at this subject…

Friends

Maintaining and forming friendships in later life is important - take a look at our Guide to forming friendships.

Divorce and Remarriage

Sadly, divorce and separation can also feature in later life and articles such as Divorce over 50 (Judith Ball, a Family Law specialist), are very helpful.

And then of course there may be re-marriage! Jill Curtis, a psychotherapist and writer, has submitted this article on Getting Married in later life.

Researching Your Family Tree

Interested in your Family History? Then visit our Genealogy section You never know what exciting information is waiting for you!