Dr. Eboni Green
July 25, 2022
Getting married later in life is both exciting and challenging. Merging two households to make a new life together can be quite tricky, especially with mature adults who may be set in their ways. Here, we’ll discuss three essential points that will get you to the “happily ever after” part faster:
If you and your new spouse both own your own home, one of you may decide to sell and move in with the other. Or maybe you’d prefer to move into something that you choose together and sell both your properties to buy or rent elsewhere. And as you get older, you may be thinking of downsizing and moving into smaller quarters. Many seniors choose to move into a home that will allow them to age in place. If that’s also the case for you and your new spouse, find a house that is single-level and ADA compliant, with doors large enough to accommodate a wheelchair, a bathroom with a walk-in shower or tub, and senior-friendly appliances. Opt for a low-maintenance yard, unless you truly enjoy tending to your garden. And find a supportive community where you’ll be able to join in group activities and stay social, close to services and amenities that will make your life easier as you get older. Think about the places you regularly go to: grocery store, pharmacy, library, church, and doctor’s office, and find a house that is just a short drive – or walk – away.
As a married couple, you’ll have to decide whether you want to combine your finances or keep them separate. If you want to avoid fighting over money with your new partner, it’s wise to discuss your options even before getting married, especially if one or both of you already have adult children that stand to inherit your assets after you’re gone. Be honest and upfront with each other when you share your financial goals, and don’t neglect to mention any debt you may carry. If you decide to purchase a house together, getting a joint checking account and paying your bills with the money deposited in it is the easiest way to handle your finances. But if you have any questions or concerns, hire an estate planner who will help you find the best approach for your situation. And take the time to digitize all your important papers and documents in order to keep them better organized. Online tools will let you create and insert pages to a PDF as well as reduce the size of your files for faster retrieval and sharing.
Finding love in your golden years means that even though you’ve already gone through many life experiences, you still have the opportunity to create new memories with your partner. And if you’re both retired, you’ll have more time to enjoy each other’s company. So, plan a honeymoon to a faraway destination or in a quaint little bed and breakfast two towns over. Surprise your spouse with an impromptu date night and attend a movie or a play; go for a bike ride or take a long after-dinner stroll. And if you both have children and grandchildren from previous relationships, plan some family events where you all can gather and get to know each other, making new family memories and establishing new family traditions in the process.
Finding a partner later in life can be just as rewarding as when you’re young. If you’re retired and your children have flown the nest, you’ll have plenty of time to spend as a couple, just the two of you. So go ahead and enjoy your golden years with your new spouse!
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