Intimacy in Later Life

To love and be loved is arguably one of the most powerful and fundamental driving forces sustaining self-esteem and self-identity throughout the life course. Need for reciprocal loving does not change as we grow older, despite failures of health, loss of a partner, late divorce, and alterations of personality due to the aging process. However, most studies of human sexuality have ignored the problems and developing patterns of older adults entering into new partnerships. To fill this gap, Intimacy in Later Life brings together a wide range of distinguished international scholars to address this neglected research area. This volume explores how older people today think and behave in relation to partner change. Contributors consider the choices and constraints that influence decisions about new romantic relationships after divorce or the death of a spouse, along with how these differ with respect to age, gender, and culture. The authors discuss the considerable social variety to be found between "permissive" and morally conservative societies and cultural milieux, as well as how standards of sexual behavior have changed over time. Contributions include: Kate Davidson and Graham Fennell, "New Intimate Relationships in Later Life, " Sofie Ghazanfareeon Karlsson and Klas Borell, "Intimacy and Autonomy, Gender and Ageing: Living Apart Together, " Nan Stevens, "Re-Engaging: New Partnerships in Late-Life Widowhood, " Kate Davidson, "Gender Differences in New Partnership Choices and Constraints for Older Widows and Widowers, " Jenny De Jong Gierveld, "The Dilemma of Repartnering: Considerations of Older Men and Women Entering New Intimate Relationships in Later Life, " Deborah K. Van Den Hoonaard,"Attitudes of Older Widows and Widowers in New Brunswick, Canada Towards New Partnerships, " and Kalyani K. Mehta, "Perceptions of Remarriage by Widowed People in Singapore."