Birds are the ones who do it. It's done by bees. Even well-educated elders fall prey to this trap. "It" is in the process of falling in love. However, in the case of our parents, "it" may be the ability to retain the love that has been in their marriages for many decades.

Taking Pleasure in Romantic Love in Older Age

Romance is still a significant part of most people's lives, and it doesn't end with their retirement.

Our parents are accustomed to sharing their lives with someone for companionship and real love during their golden years, whether they are still married to their first wives or have remarried.

It may surprise you to learn that recent research on romance among older persons has revealed the following findings:

According to the University of Michigan's National Poll on Aging, 72 percent of people between the ages of 65 and 80 reported having a romantic partner at the time of the poll.

According to an AARP poll of 800 older women in Southern California, those under the age of 55 and those over the age of 80 were the most likely to report being content with the romance in their life.

Here are a few real-life examples of romantic love in later life.

The death of my wife's mother led to my father-in-law relocating to Leisure World in Southern California. The "casserole brigade," which consists of widows on the lookout for their next spouse, was attracted to him because he was a healthy 71-year-old with a beating heart, a condo, and a vehicle, among other things.

At Leisure World, he met and promptly married a younger woman, whom he married a year later. Because they didn't have much in common, their romance lasted only a few short months.

Later in the year, he met another woman while playing bridge on a weekly basis. The two of them were a lot better match and were married for 15 years until he died away.

My mother's friend, who was in her 60s and 70s at the time, was married four times. Ironically, her fourth marriage turned out to be the funeral director with whom she had been acquainted throughout the course of preparing the last arrangements for her first three husbands.

Aging in Place with 24-Hour Care Can Make You Feel Lonely, but Not Alone

Upon my father's death at the age of 89, my mother made the decision not to remarry. Now approaching 101 years old, she tells me on a regular basis, "My children and grandchildren give me plenty of hugs and kisses."

Mom has opted to "age in place" in the comfort of the Marin County condo she's had since 1971, which my family has chosen for her. Because of her memory problems, she requires round-the-clock care. (You may find out more about our 24-hour care here.)

My siblings and I see her on a regular basis, and we usually bring long-time family friends with us. For a while, a neighbor of a dear friend took on the role of her "lover," which meant that they met together once a month for an extended lunch every few months.

What Strategies Do Singles Use to Find Romantic Love?

Couples meet in a number of ways for any length of time and at any age, regardless of their relationship status:

The process of finding a partner through your own network. You can take advantage of friends and family members who know other seniors who are seeking a companion.

It was at a friend's place. Meeting new individuals in this manner is informal and allows for the formation of friendships before they embark on a dating relationship.

Online dating services are becoming increasingly popular. Other options are available, ranging from the AARP's "How About We" to eHarmony Senior Dating and Our Time, as well as numerous specialized sites aimed toward certain religious affiliations, gender orientations, and geographic locations.

A dating coach, service, or professional matchmaker is someone who helps people find love. So the senior will be certain that the person they are going out with has been well screened and is sincerely searching for love.

Community centers and senior facilities are also available. Meeting up for daytime activities is a great opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.

Groups of people to do things. It is almost certain that you will have at least one thing in common with someone you meet here.

Interactions that aren't planned. In the grocery store, bingo hall, library, or hot tub at the neighborhood swimming pool, seniors can begin their senior romance journey. Seniors may notice someone they are interested in and strike up a discussion with them. Casual interactions are frequently the most beneficial since seniors are more comfortable and accessible in these circumstances.

Senior living communities are a type of housing for the elderly. Especially those that provide independent living, assisted living, and memory care services to their residents. According to some estimates, up to 90 percent of those who relocate to these towns are single.

Date Ideas for Senior Couples That Are Fun

It is possible for couples to go on frequent dates in order to foster the development and growth of their senior romance. There is no shortage of excellent date ideas for seniors who like being in good company. Whether you're shopping for yourself or assisting a parent, consider one of the following date suggestions:

Take a break from work and eat somewhere nice. This may appear to be a stale and worn-out concept. By varying the menu, you can keep things interesting. Is it Indian or Thai? Greek? Vegetarian? Try a new restaurant for a change, and be adventurous by ordering something you've never tried before. Make a reservation at an elite restaurant for a special occasion. Keep some room in your stomach for dessert after dinner and request that your waitress delivers one dessert with two forks or spoons for sharing.

Participate in a dancing lesson. Dancing may be a relaxing and enjoyable activity for seniors, whether it's a slow, romantic waltz or an upbeat jive. Dancing is a great way for seniors to stay active as an added plus. Is one of your partners confined to a wheelchair? Dancing may not be out of the question! Inquire with the local senior's association about wheelchair dance courses and see if they are available. For those who find that dancing isn't their cup of tea, there are typically many other sorts of lessons to choose from. Joining a culinary, massage, or yoga session as a group is a great idea.

Take a drive in a vintage vehicle that you have rented. When I was visiting my mother in Victoria, British Columbia, I decided to give it a shot. Mom used to drive a Volkswagen Beetle in her younger days, and she was quite attached to her "Bug." I was able to locate a local car rental firm that offers a number of these old automobiles for hire. The first few times I utilized the stick shift, Mom and me had a nice chuckle. Then we had a great time driving about! Seniors might also hire various types of cars - is there a particular brand of automobile that is still on their bucket list that they have yet to experience?

Take a bike for a ride. Alternatively, if driving a car proves to be too tough for the elderly, they might hire bicycles. Cyclists can indulge in some good exercise while also exploring and taking in the sights at their own speed. Pack a picnic lunch and ride your bike to the local park. Locate a lovely parking area where you can sit back and relax. Revisit a familiar neighborhood from your childhood. Tandem bicycles are a good option for senior couples (or bicycles built for two). These bicycles can foster a sense of community and inspire cooperation among riders.

Play a round of mini-golf with your friends. Seniors may find it difficult to complete nine or 18 holes of standard golf in a reasonable amount of time (even with using a golf cart). Instead, play a round of mini-golf to burn off some energy. Mini-golfers just use one club, so you won't have to worry about finding a caddy.

Take a leisurely stroll through a farmer's market. Who doesn't like the taste of freshly prepared food? Visiting merchants provide fresh fruit to farmer's markets, which is typically gathered that day! Seniors can stroll around, try some samples, and purchase fresh fruit, veggies, and baked goods to take back to their homes with them.

Take a horseback riding excursion. If Queen Elizabeth (who is now in her 90s) can get on her horse and go for a ride, perhaps other older citizens would follow her lead! If you have a passion for horses but are unable to ride yourself, consider viewing a great horse movie such as Black Beauty or Seabiscuit.

Find something to do indoors. Shivering outside in freezing weather with a group of people may not be conducive to pleasant sentiments at all! Go ice skating in an indoor arena, challenge a friend to a game of Scrabble (which is fantastic for keeping the brain working), get together for a hot chocolate, or curl up on the couch and watch a movie on Netflix (or all of the above).