AUTHOR=Svačinka Stanislav , Ševčíková Anna , Gottfried Jaroslav 

TITLE=Exploring challenges in later-life relationships: a qualitative study of the queries posted on counselling websites

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 14 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1245736

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1245736

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=This study analyzed 225 relationship-related queries posted on Czech counselling websites to identify the strains and stressor patterns that older adults face in their relationships. The queries were limited to those that concerned themes and problems related to partnerships, were posted by one of the partners aged 60 or over, and were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Four main relationship issues were identified: infidelity and jealousy; relationship estrangement and cooling; undesirable changes in personality; and illness and somatic issues. Additionally, three recurring themes were identified that made the problems more demanding and that were specific to older age: lack of norms for relationships in that age group, absence of resources to tackle the issues, and personal calculation for Time Spent and Time Remaining. The research found that the types of problems encountered by older adults were similar to those experienced by younger individuals. However, the way these problems were perceived and processed was influenced by specific aspects of aging, such as societal expectations, available coping resources, and the perception of time. The study revealed that the remaining time in one's life significantly influenced the perception of relationship problems. Limited time intensified the feeling that opportunities for new meaningful relationships were diminishing, leading to increased stress and pain. Additionally, the investment of a significant portion of their adult life into a relationship made the prospect of losing it more distressing. The findings also highlighted the challenges faced by older adults in terms of relationship norms, sexual functioning, and personality changes.