Ever wonder if love was in the stars in your 70s?

[dilettante]

Yeah, I think you're right. Thinking about it, when an elderly man does it, it's often because he wants a caregiver....someone to cook, keep his place tidy, and wash his laundry, you know?

That's a stereotype. I'm not convinced it's anywhere near half of guys, much less the majority. Speaking for guys still in their 60s, we've been conditioned to do everything ourselves short of bearing children.

Division of labor is natural and makes sense. But if anything it seems like many women won't tolerate that and may resent it as demeaning.

Point being, both sides of the gender divide can have relationship impeding issues.

 

[Mr. Ed]

The title: Ever wonder if love was in the stars in your 70s? Busily I was searching the catacombs of cobweb mind to answer your question. Suddenly, like a flash of smarts I realized you were referring to the age of 70s not the year of 1970s? Am I smart or what?

 

[Murrmurr]

That's a stereotype. I'm not convinced it's anywhere near half of guys, much less the majority. Speaking for guys still in their 60s, we've been conditioned to do everything ourselves short of bearing children.

Division of labor is natural and makes sense. But if anything it seems like many women won't tolerate that and may resent it as demeaning.

Point being, both sides of the gender divide can have relationship impeding issues.

I disagree. I mean, yes it's a stereotype, but I'd bet more than half of the elderly men who propose marriage to older women want an experienced caregiver-housekeeper-cook. I'm not saying they don't have feelings for the woman, but they expect the support services to be part of the deal....a major part when they're old, tuckered out, and retired or close to it.

 

[TheOtherRick]

I missed it too, I'm not too good at catching signals but there is a lady here around my age who I believe wants a friend maybe a special friend, but I really don't think I want to be anyone's special friend at the moment. I don't mean to hijack the thread it seemed to fit the category.

 

[dilettante]

I disagree. I mean, yes it's a stereotype, but I'd bet more than half of the elderly men who propose marriage to older women want an experienced caregiver-housekeeper-cook.

I don't expect women not to be wary of that I just don't think it's all that common. Guys somehow deal with that before marriage just as women limp along coping with men's roles with cars, lawns, plumbing and mechanical, etc. After marriage you'd expect a split of many housekeeping chores as well, either he's retired or they both are, after all.

I suppose the big difference would be their relative ages and health. But nothing says the wife can't have a sudden stroke or heart attack or bad fall or something and end up at least a semi-invalid just as well as the husband.

 

[RadishRose]

Nope.

 

[John cycling]

That's a stereotype. I'm not convinced it's anywhere near half of guys, much less the majority.

I don't know what the percentage is of guys who want a woman to care for them, but it's
probably the guys who want a woman to do everything for them who think most other guys want that too.

Personally I've always prepared my own meals since leaving home after high school and often before that.
I did often prepare extra for my spouse, and everything the last few years when she was gradually fading away.

If I could find a woman now who could take care of herself, then that would be a big plus.
I don't need nor want anyone to take care of me, but a loving sharing relationship would be nice to have.

 

[fuzzybuddy]

In the 70s, I was in my mid 20s, never mind "love in the stars", "love" was in my brain, and other places.

 

[Trish]

I missed it too, I'm not too good at catching signals but there is a lady here around my age who I believe wants a friend maybe a special friend, but I really don't think I want to be anyone's special friend at the moment. I don't mean to hijack the thread it seemed to fit the category.

I think you are wise @TheOtherRick It's like workplace relationships, if you get too close and it doesn't work out, it can make life very awkward.

 

[officerripley]

I think about friendship more than love.

 

[RichardNSanAntonioTx]

AMEN

I 2nd that AMEN!

 

[RichardNSanAntonioTx]

Well it is for me. And I am so happy and we are happy for each day together. Does anyone else wonder about love at 70 or even 80? Do believe it can happen because it does! I live in a senior place and there are lots of senior friends and those that are more than friends. Love is a beautiful thing, I don't care how old you are. I even think it is better!

I agree!

 

[Teacher Terry]

It would be nice to have a special man in my life that had his own home or apartment. I’m done living with someone, making compromises, etc. I know a couple that bought homes next door to each other which is perfect.

 

[MACKTEXAS]

If it works for you, go for it. After my wife died, I tried dating but never got past the feeling I was cheating. By the time I just about conquered that part, I was used to being alone and kept it that way. Besides, I was caregiver for my wife for the last 2 years of her life, and cannot go through that again.

 

[VaughanJB]

Well it is for me. And I am so happy and we are happy for each day together. Does anyone else wonder about love at 70 or even 80? Do believe it can happen because it does! I live in a senior place and there are lots of senior friends and those that are more than friends. Love is a beautiful thing, I don't care how old you are. I even think it is better!

As you no doubt know, I am in the process of getting my wife back. Sadly, circumstances with her mother (going through dementia) is holding things up. And rightly so. But I certainly love her. I've thought about this A LOT in the last year. I live alone today, and I'd much prefer not to. Not in a clinging "I can't cope" kind of way, but in a simple human sense that having a partner helps you enjoy life. As you age, love broadens, it seems.