Love in later life: share your stories with us
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http://www.theguardian.com/society/2015/feb/05/love-later-life-dating-marriage Version 0 of 1. With Valentine’s Day fast approaching, love is in the air, and no more so than for those over 65. To celebrate we’d love to see your wedding photos and hear your stories on love in later life. According to figures published by Britain’s Office for National Statistics, marriage in 2012 was up 5%, the highest total in any year since 2004 and older men and women, are leading the charge with the biggest leap in marriages among those aged between 65 and 70. Grooms in their late 60s increased by 35% (2011-12) to 3,520, and brides of the same age went up by 21%, to 1,990. One in 10 had been single, two-thirds divorced, and the rest widowed before tying the knot. A total of 1,409 marriages were formed between same sex couples between 29 March and 30 June 2014. Of these, 32 were between people aged over 65. And, from 2008 to 2012, there were 1,997 civil partnerships among the over 65s. The growing trend to marriage among older adults points to a generation who no longer believe their lives are settled when they reach retirement age. Have you found love in later life? Did you get married after the age of 65? Are you recently widowed and looking to find someone new? What fears do you have about starting a new relationship? Do you think meeting people and forming a relationship is an option you would consider in later life? You don’t have to be over 65 to contribute; we’d also like to hear your general views about love in later life. Share your thoughts, experiences, and photos by clicking on the blue ‘Contribute’ button on this article. You can also use the GuardianWitness smartphone app or the new Guardian app and search for ‘GuardianWitness assignments’. If you’d prefer, then you can email guardian.witness@theguardian.com Here are some of the contributions so far: Two little love birds Staying together and being together Sent via Guardian Witness By shaunashcroft 6 February 2015, 23:19 Marriage in later life One of our favourite wedding photos, the groom is 67years Young, and the bride 48. We were widowed/divorced and met on a Blind Date arranged by a mutual friend. Although we're oldies, we cleaned up well! Still going strong 12 years on.... Sent via Guardian Witness By Catherine Hill 9 February 2015, 14:02 Abbeyfield Kent residents Ted & Gloria marry at Watling Court Ted and Gloria are two residents at our extra care scheme, Watling Court, who used to be together many years ago, they separated to be with other people but were reunited and married at their home, Watling Court in May 2014. You can read more about their story here, http://www.abbeyfieldkent.org/latest-news/watling-court-tenants-tie-the-knot-at-home-after-40-years-apart/ Sent via Guardian Witness By abbeyfieldkent1 9 February 2015, 16:36 |